[Vascular complications of fractures of the pelvis]

Fifteen cases of severe fractures of the pelvis associated with vascular complications are reviewed. The operational strategy remains controversial when faced with these life threatening traumatic lesions. The chief cause of mortality of these fractures is subperitoneal or retroperitoneal expanding hematoma, the natural course and evolution of which are presently well known and better explored thanks to modern imaging technology. Early-phase intensive care and intervention radiology are partly responsible for a change in the immediate therapeutic attitude. Nonetheless, in hemorrhagic poly-traumatic patients, surgical treatment is still required and remains a method non devoid of pitfalls.