A protocol for the initial management of unstable pelvic fractures

The initial management of life-threatening hemorrhage associated with severe pelvic fractures has long been a source of debate. A review of the literature reveals that many advocate emergent orthopedic external fixation (EX-FIX) for severe pelvic fractures, whereas others claim greater success with angiographic embolization (ANGIO) as the first line of treatment. Although many have attempted to classify management options by fracture pattern, to date there has been no prospective trial comparing outcomes for each method of treatment. We offer a prospective study of all pelvic fracture patients admitted to our Level I trauma center between July 1994 and July 1995. Patients were classified according to fracture pattern and degree of hemodynamic instability. Those with primarily anterior pelvic ring fractures underwent emergent EX-FIX for control of hemorrhage, whereas those with primarily posterior pelvic ring fractures underwent emergent ANGIO to control hemorrhage. We found that blood product requirements and hospital stay were similar in each group. However, the complication rate was higher in patients who underwent initial emergency EX-FIX, primarily because of failure to adequately control hemorrhage. We conclude that patients with anterior-posterior compression type 2 and 3, lateral compression type 2 and 3, or vertical shear injuries, who are hemodynamically unstable as a result of their pelvic fracture, should undergo immediate ANGIO if laparotomy is not indicated. If laparotomy is indicated, EX-FIX should be placed intraoperatively, followed by postoperative ANGIO.