[Acute limb ischemia and fracture of the pelvic ring: a case report]

We report the case of traffic accident victim who suffered multiple injuries after being ejected from the vehicle. The patient suffered blunt trauma of the pelvis followed by acute ischemia of the lower limb. The initial work-up revealed minimally displaced fractures of the right and left obturator rings and the left sacral wing, as well as a non-displaced fracture of the anterior wall of the acetabulum. Computed tomography eliminated a compressive retroperitoneal hematoma. The mechanism of the injury was direct blunt trauma rupturing an atheroma plaque which led to thrombosis of the left common femoral artery. Thrombectomy three hours 30 minutes after onset of ischemia enabled complete sensorial and motor recovery. Awareness of this unusual type of injury can be helpful in conducting a rigorous physical examination to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment.