Vaginal injuries in patients with pelvic fractures

Of 114 females with pelvic fracture encountered over the past 10 years, four (3.5%) had vaginal laceration. Detection of open fracture was immediate in three; two were repaired and recovered uneventfully. The third was recognized to have a laceration that was repaired but she died of other complications after 2 days. Diagnosis of laceration was delayed 72 hours in the fourth patient who developed extensive pelvic abscess requiring multiple drainage procedures. Our experience confirms the importance of early detection and repair of vaginal laceration in females with pelvic fracture to prevent pelvic abscess.