Pelvic injuries associated with traumatic abduction of the leg

We report a series of six severe pelvic injuries associated with traumatic abduction of the leg. All sustained a severe fracture of the pelvis associated with a deep perineal wound extending into the anus. Laparotomy was usually required to control haemorrhage and packing was only effective once the pelvis had been stabilized by external fixation. A sigmoid loop colostomy was required in all five initial survivors because of sphincter disruption, but three out of four long-term survivors are now fully continent. If mortality is to be reduced, blood loss must be rapidly controlled and sepsis prevented.