Traumatic Pelvic Injuries

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of pelvic trauma is one of the most complex in trauma care. Mortality rate is high.

Objective: To examine the current criteria about traumatic pelvic injuries and the possible existing strategies for their treatment.

Methods: A search was carried out for articles published in PubMed database from 2011 to 2020. Works that were duplicated or had insufficient source data were excluded. 

Results: We analyzed injury mechanisms, pathophysiology, classifications, principles and pillars of medical care, and recommendations for the use of diagnostic tools in pelvic trauma, among others. Complications with functional limitations occur in patients with open pelvic trauma who may have chronic sequelae such as fecal and urinary incontinence, impotence, dyspareunia, residual disability in physical functions, perineal and pelvic abscess, chronic pain, and vascular complications such as embolism or thrombosis. Most deaths (44.7%) occur on the day of the trauma. A multidisciplinary approach to treating traumatic pelvic injuries contributes to improved performance and patient outcomes.

Conclusions: Traumatic injuries to the pelvic ring are the consequence of highenergy accidents and constitute one of the most serious injuries to which humans are exposed. The possibility of mechanical instability associated with hemodynamic alterations requires the adoption of protocols for immediate action, to avoid the high mortality associated with these injuries.