Pelvic fractures associated with open perineal wounds: a survivable injury

Blunt pelviperineal trauma has been associated with mortality rates of 32% to 58% in recent literature. A review of our institution's experience revealed a much lower mortality rate, prompting further investigation. Nine hundred-seventy five patients with pelvic fractures were admitted to our institution from July 1984 through June 1991. The mortality rate for all pelvic fractures was 7.3%. During this interval 21 patients (2.2%) were admitted with open pelvic fractures. Only one patient in this group died. Our low mortality figures were the result of better control of pelvic hemorrhage and sepsis, and a lower incidence of associated injuries to the head and thorax, representing a more favorable mechanism of injury.