Pelvic ring injuries in the military environment.
Haemodynamically unstable patients with mechanically unstable pelvic ring injuries continue to present a challenge to all personnel involved. Road traffic accidents remain a significant cause of soldier morbidity and mortality in peacetime and in war. These pelvic ring disruptions are markers of high-energy transfer injuries and are associated with fatal exsanguinating haemorrhage. Identifying the ring injury and the source of bleeding remains a complex challenge. Early control of instability, both haemodynamic and mechanical is likely to produce the best results. Dealing with these issues in the military environment adds additional stress to this volatile situation. Multidisciplinary practice guidelines have been shown to reduce mortality and should be adopted by all establishments treating these causalities. A well-rehearsed <C>ABC approach with a proactive approach to dot protection and promotion is ideal.
Adams
S A
SA
Parachute Surgical Team, 16 Close Support Medical Regiment, Merville Barracks, Colchester CO2 7SW. adams16@me.com
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006470:Hemorrhage; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology