title: Management of Pelvic Ring Injuries in Unstable Patients.
abstract: High-energy pelvic ring injuries can represent life-threatening injuries in the polytraumatized patient, particularly when presenting with hemodynamic instability. These injuries mandate a systematic multidisciplinary approach to evaluation, and timely intervention to address hemorrhage while concomitantly addressing mechanical instability. These pelvic injuries are associated with potentially lethal hemorrhage originating from venous, arterial, and osseous sources. A thorough understanding of anatomy, radiographic findings, and initial physical examination can alert one to the presence of pelvic instability necessitating emergent treatment. The focus is on hemorrhage control, using techniques for skeletal stabilization, angiography, and open procedures to decrease mortality in this high-risk patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee, 1211 Union Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38002, USA. Electronic address: mrudloff@campbellclinic.com.
authors.forename: Matthew I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rudloff
authors.affiliation: University Orthopedic Surgeons, University of Tennessee Medical Center, 320 Kingston Ct, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA.
authors.forename: Kostas M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Triantafillou
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*
keywords: Hemodynamic instability; Pelvic angiography; Pelvic packing; Polytrauma; Unstable pelvic ring injuries