Does fracture pattern predict death with lateral compression type 1 pelvic fractures?

Our goal was to analyze whether radiographic fracture pattern correlates with mortality of patients with lateral compression type 1 (LC1) fractures.

We conducted a retrospective case-controlled study at a Level I trauma center. Radiographs and outcome data were obtained for 52 patients with LC1 fractures who died and 63 who lived. LC1 fractures were classified by Denis zone of sacral injury and presence of fracture displacement. Our main outcome measurement was mortality during index hospital admission.

No difference was observed in frequency of higher energy Denis zone II sacral fractures between patients with LC1 fractures who died (73.1%) and those who lived (69.8%, p = 0.86, χ²). No difference was observed in number of displaced fractures (50.0% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.15, χ²). Patients who died were more likely to have significant brain injury (69.2% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.0001, χ²), chest injury (73.1% vs. 49.2%, p < 0.05, χ²), or abdominal injury (30.8% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.05, χ²) than those who lived.

Sacral fracture pattern does not seem to be predictive of mortality for patients with LC1 pelvic fractures The presence of associated injuries seems to be the key driver of mortality.