Pelvic fractures and associated injuries in children.
BACKGROUND
Pelvic fractures occur uncommonly in children. Despite serious sequelae, they have been infrequently reviewed.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of admissions to our institution from January 1983 to December 2000.


RESULTS
One hundred twenty children with pelvic fractures were identified. Median age was 9 years (range, 1-16 years) and 66% (n = 80) were boys. Pedestrian-motor vehicle injury accounted for 68% (n = 82) of cases. Associated injuries were present in 78% (n = 94). Management of the pelvic fracture was nonoperative in 113 (94%). Thirty-two children (27%) required surgery for associated injuries. Complications during admission occurred in 28% (n = 34). Five children died as a result of their injuries. With a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 7-156 months), 27% (n = 32) of children suffered an adverse outcome, including neurologic dysfunction and leg-length discrepancies.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of pelvic fractures in children may be satisfactorily treated nonoperatively. Operative interventions were more frequently required for associated injuries. Long-term review is indicated because of delayed complications in children that are continuing to grow and develop.
Chia
Jennifer P Y
JP
Department of Academic Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia.
Holland
Andrew J A
AJ
Little
David
D
Cass
Daniel T
DT
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010388:Pelvis / Q000293:injuries*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome