Emergency Treatment and External Fixator Applications in Pelvic Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Pelvic fractures require urgent intervention since the mortality and morbidity rates are high.
Patients and methods: A total of 98 patients with pelvic fractures were admitted to our clinic between July 1994 and May 1998. Of the patients, 28 were fameles and 70 were males. The mean age of the patients was 31.3 (6-60) year. The fractures were evaluated according to Tile classification. 60 patients who were considered to have unstable fractures, external skeletal fixator was applied to 6 patients, and Anti-shock Pelvic Clamps to 5 patients. External fixators were applied in an average of three (1-7 days) days, and they were removed in 8 to 12 weeks. The mean follow-up period was 28.2 (range: 11-54) months.
Findings: In 11 patients, to whom external fixator and Anti-shock Pelvic Clamps were applied, blood transfusion rates were lower than those who underwent conservative treatment. Except for a symphysis pubis separative of 1.8 cm in one patient, all patients recovered well without any radiological and clinical complications.
Conclusion: After the elimination of additional pathologies, application of Anti-shock Pelvic Clamps or external fixator decreases mortality and morbidity rates to a considerable extent.