TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Diagnostics and early treatment in prehospital and emergency-room phase in suspicious pelvic ring fractures JO - European journal of trauma and emergency surgery A1 - Schweigkofler, Uwe A1 - Wohlrath, B. A1 - Trentsch, H. A1 - Greipel, J. A1 - Tamimi, N. A1 - Hoffmann, R. A1 - Wincheringer, D. SP - 747 EP - 752 VL - 44 IS - 5 N2 - BACKGROUND: Testing for mechanical stability in pelvic ring fractures is advocated for the initial assessment and management of pelvic ring fractures. A survey among trauma surgeons showed that 91% agree with this recommendation. The aim of the present study was to describe the actual workup of patients with a high risk for unstable pelvic fractures in daily routine.

METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter observational study on patients admitted to the emergency room with suspected pelvic ring fractures. Data were collected anonymously via a standardized case report.

RESULTS: A total of 254 patients with suspected pelvic injuries from 12 different trauma centers were included in this study. In 95 out of 254 cases a per definition unstable pelvic fracture could be confirmed; 46 type B and 49 type C fractures was confirmed. Mechanical stability examination was carried out in 61% and revealed a sensitivity of 31.6% and a specificity of 92.2%. 11.5% (18 patients) actually showed a mechanical instability (6 B# 12 C#). Regardless, 166 patients (65.4%) received noninvasive external stabilization ahead of diagnostic imaging, as a result of clinical judgment. 72% (24×) showed signs of significant bleeding in the subsequent CT scans. 33 pelvic ring fractures (type B or C) had no prehospital stabilization.

CONCLUSION: Testing of mechanical stability of the pelvic ring was carried out less often and with lower consequences for the actual management than expected. It seems worthwhile to rather put on a pelvic binder at earliest occasion based on trauma mechanism or clinical findings to reduce the risk of serious pelvic bleeding.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1863-9933 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00068-017-0860-0 ID - ref1 ER -