Intra- and extra-pelvic lesions associated with unstable fractures of the pelvic ring

Fracture of the pelvis is often caused by high-energy trauma, and for this reason it is frequently associated with fractures in other regions, hemorrhages, or severe lesions of the organs. Based on an analysis of the results, obtained by a review of 68 cases of unstable fracture of the pelvis treated at the IIIrd Division of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute between 1980 and 1995, the authors make several suggestions concerning diagnosis and therapy for the evaluation and treatment of these patients.