Surgical management of soft tissue lesions associated with pelvic ring injury

Mortality rates associated with pelvic ring injury combined with open wounds have decreased considerably during the past 2 decades. Consequently, increased survivability has heightened the demand for definitive stabilization techniques to address pelvic ring instability. Control of hemorrhage and avoidance of sepsis remain paramount concerns in the initial and later stages of management, respectively. Exclusion of occult and readily apparent perforations of the genital urinary and gastrointestinal tracts is essential when using a multidisciplinary approach. Recognition of open and closed degloving injury patterns and appropriate adherence to treatment guidelines will optimize outcome and avoid catastrophic complication.