Pelvic fracture: the last 50 years

The past 50 years have been a time of rapid progress in the control of mortality and morbidity of pelvic fracture. Early understanding of the anatomic features of the fracture and the potential for major, life-threatening arterial hemorrhage in a small proportion of patients led to multidisciplinary approaches designed to control hemorrhage and temporarily stabilize the fracture. Progress in the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract injuries has resulted in maintenance of urinary continence and sexual function in a large proportion of patients with pelvic fracture-associated urinary tract injury. Finally, definitive open reduction and fixation of the fracture has led to permanent pelvic stability and pain-free walking in most patients. With successful combination of these approaches, survival and return to a satisfactory level of function is now the rule rather than the exception for patients with severe pelvic fracture.