Emergency treatment for clinically unstable patients with pelvic fracture and haemorrhage

Unstable pelvic fractures very frequently occur with haemorrhage, not only from the broken pelvis but from the presacral venous plexus and/or iliac arterial or venous branches which may cause hypotension and increases the mortality rate. Very often this type of injury is concurrent with injuries in other organ systems. The compounded nature of these injuries makes it necessary for doctors who may encounter this type of patient to be educated in the techniques to effectively stabilise and treat the patient's complex injuries. After completing the international standard ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) primary survey to identify a haemodinamically unstable patient with pelvic fracture, we discuss adequate replenishment of lost blood volume and standards of care for such a patient. The best diagnostics are described from transport immobilisation to the placement of external fixators or C-clamps. Likewise indication for intervention of pelvic angiography and therapeutic embolisation are also discussed. The direct surgical hemostasis method of pelvic packing is described in detail. All presented methods are mutually complementary in today's treatment of these patients.