[Open pelvic fracture--an indication for laparotomy?]

Open pelvic fractures are rare and account for 1-5% of all pelvic fractures. Mortality rates of 50% and even more have been reported. Bleeding and septic complications are the major causes of death. In our retrospective study from 1974 to 1996 the data of 40 patients were analyzed. Five patients died (12.5%); 28 survivors could be investigated with a mean follow-up of 10 years. It is concluded that the comparably low mortality rate is due to a standardized treatment protocol. The main principles of management are emergency stabilization of the unstable pelvis and early laparotomy.