Pelvic disruption in the polytraumatized patient: a management protocol

This article reviews the experience with the management of 79 polytraumatized patients with pelvic fractures. The incidence of involvement of other systems was measured by the injury severity score. The average severity score was 33.5, and the mortality was 19%. Patients with a posterior disruption of the pelvis had a higher mortality, a higher "injury severity score," and required greater resuscitation efforts. Resuscitation of these patients requires efficient effective action. Adherence to our management algorithm, based on assessment of the patient's response, should help achieve that end.