Severe Pelvic Fractures Research Articles

Trauma team activation for older patients with pelvic fractures: Are current criteria adequate?

The present study aimed to identify the impact of age on current trauma team activation (TTA) processes and outcomes for patients with pelvic fractures. Adult patients with moderate and/or severe pelvic fractures (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥ 2) between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021 were included utilising major trauma hospital data in Queensland. Characteristics of older (age ≥ 65) and younger patients including TTA, interventions and outcomes were examined. Multivariate analysis was used to determine factors associated with TTA in older patients. Data from 637 patients was included. Despite comparable injury severity, a TTA was activated in fewer older people (older: 65% vs. younger: 79%, P < 0.001). Older patients had more falls leading to the trauma presentation (54.4% vs. 22.6%, P < 0.001), with higher initial systolic BP (131 vs. 125 mmHg, P = 0.04). Outcomes were worse for older people, with greater rates of in-hospital complications (27.2% vs. 16.4%, P = 0.004), and longer hospital stays (12 vs. 8 days, P = 0.04). Fewer older patients could be discharged independently to home (46.3% vs. 74.5%, P < 0.001). In older patients, falls and haemodynamic parameters were strongly associated with the reduced likelihood of TTA (fall mechanism [odds ratio (OR)] 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-0.74; P = 0.01; systolic BP [OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P = 0.03], heart rate [OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; P = 0.02]). Current TTA criteria based on higher energy mechanisms and traditional vital sign thresholds are inadequate for identifying injury in older patients. Sensitive triage criteria and increased clinician awareness are required to enhance injury recognition and improve outcomes in older trauma patients.

Preperitoneal pelvic packing in isolated severe pelvic fractures is associated with higher mortality and venous thromboembolism: A matched-cohort study

IntroductionPreperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) has been advocated as a damage control procedure for pelvic fracture bleeding, despite of weak evidence. MethodsMatched cohort study, TQIP database. Patients with isolated severe blunt pelvic fractures (pelvis abbreviated injury score [AIS] ​≥ ​3, AIS ≤2 in all other body regions) were included. Patients who underwent PPP were matched to patients with no PPP, 1:3 nearest propensity score. Matching was performed based on demographics, vital signs on admission, comorbidities, injury characteristics, type and timing of initiation of VTE prophylaxis, and additional procedures including laparotomy, REBOA, and angioembolization. Results64 patients with PPP were matched with 182 patients with No-PPP. PPP patients had higher in-hospital mortality (14.1 ​% vs 2.2 ​% p ​< ​0.001) and higher rates of VTE and DVT (VTE: 14.1 ​% vs 4.4 ​% p ​= ​0.018, DVT: 10.9 ​% vs 2.2 ​% p ​= ​0.008). ConclusionPPP is associated with worse survival outcomes and increased rate of VTE and DVT complications.

Spring coil displacement after interventional embolization of severe pelvic fracture: a case report.

Haemorrhagic shock, which arises as a complication of pelvic fracture subsequent to severe trauma, represents a perilous state. The utilization of interventional endovascular haemostasis assumes a pivotal role in the management of patients with vascular injury following pelvic fracture. This article reports the treatment of a patient with pelvic fracture caused by a serious work-related vehicle accident. Despite the implementation of timely blood and fluid transfusion to combat shock, the application of aortic balloon obstruction, and interventional iliac artery embolization for haemostasis, the patient's condition failed to display any discernible improvement. Repeat angiography further revealed a displacement of the interventional embolization material, and the patient subsequently died of multiple organ failure. The occurrence of spring coil displacement is infrequent, but the consequences thereof are considered grave, necessitating meticulous discernment in the selection of haemostatic materials for this type of patient. The diagnostic and therapeutic processes encompassing the particular case described here were analysed and are discussed with the objective of augmenting the efficacy and success rate of treatment modalities for patients in similar circumstances.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of The Aorta (REBOA) And Mortality in Hemorrhagic Shock Associated with Severe Pelvic Fracture: a National Data Analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the mortality of patients who received Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of The Aorta (REBOA) in severe pelvic fracture with hemorrhagic shock.MethodsThe American College of Surgeon Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) database for the calendar years 2017–2019 was accessed for the study. The study included all patients aged 15 years and older who sustained severe pelvic fractures, defined as an injury with an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score of ≥ 3, and who presented with the lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) of < 90 mmHg. Patients with severe brain injury were excluded from the study. Propensity score matching was used to compare the patients who received REBOA with similar characteristics to patients who did not receive REBOA.ResultsOut of 3,186 patients who qualified for the study, 35(1.1%) patients received REBOA for an ongoing hemorrhagic shock with severe pelvic fracture. The propensity matching created 35 pairs of patients. The pair-matched analysis showed no significant differences between the group who received REBOA and the group that did not receive REBOA regarding patients’ demography, injury severity, severity of pelvic fractures, lowest blood pressure at initial assessment and laparotomies. There was no significant difference found between REBOA versus no REBOA group in overall in-hospital mortality (34.3% vs. 28.6, P = 0.789).ConclusionOur study did not identify any mortality advantage in patients who received REBOA in hemorrhagic shock associated with severe pelvic fracture compared to a similar cohort of patients who did not receive REBOA. A larger sample size prospective study is needed to validate our results.Case–control retrospective studyLevel of Evidence IV.

Accuracy of FAST in detecting intraabdominal bleeding in major trauma with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures: a retrospective cohort study

PurposeThe Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a tool to rapidly detect intraabdominal and intrapericardial fluid with point-of-care ultrasound. Previous studies have questioned the role of FAST in patients with pelvic fractures. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of FAST to detect clinically significant intraabdominal hemorrhage in patients with pelvic fractures.MethodsWe included all consecutive patients with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures treated our Level 1 trauma center from 2009–2020. We registered patient and fracture characteristics, FAST investigations and CT descriptions, explorative laparotomy findings, and transfusion needs. We compared FAST to CT and laparotomy findings, and calculated true positive and negative findings, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).ResultsWe included 389 patients. FAST had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 98%, a PPV of 84%, and a NPV of 96% for clinically significant intraabdominal bleeding. Patients with retroperitoneal hematomas were at increased risk for laparotomy both because of True-negative FAST and False-positive FAST.ConclusionFAST is accurate to identify clinically significant intraabdominal blood in patients with severe pelvic fractures and should be a standard asset in these patients. Retroperitoneal hematomas challenge the FAST interpretation and thus the decision making when applying FAST in patients with pelvic fractures.

Comparison of mortality between open and closed pelvic bone fractures in Korea using 1:2 propensity score matching: a single-center retrospective study.

Open pelvic bone fractures are relatively rare and are considered more severe than closed fractures. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of open and closed severe pelvic bone fractures. Patients with severe pelvic bone fractures (pelvic Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥4) admitted at a single level I trauma center between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged <16 years and those with incomplete medical records were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into open and closed fracture groups, and their demographics, treatment, and clinical outcomes were compared before and after 1:2 propensity score matching. Of the 321 patients, 24 were in the open fracture group and 297 were in the closed fracture group. The open fracture group had more infections (37.5% vs. 5.7%, P<0.001) and longer stays in the intensive care unit (median 11 days, interquartile range [IQR] 6-30 days vs. median 5 days, IQR 2-13 days; P=0.005), but mortality did not show a statistically significant difference (20.8% vs. 15.5%, P=0.559) before matching. After 1:2 propensity score matching, the infection rate was significantly higher in the open fracture group (37.5% vs. 6.3%, P=0.002), whereas the length of intensive care unit stay (median 11 days, IQR 6-30 days vs. median 8 days, IQR 4-19 days; P=0.312) and mortality (20.8% vs. 27.1%, P=0.564) were not significantly different. The open pelvic fracture group had more infections than the closed pelvic fracture group, but mortality was not significantly different. Aggressive treatment of pelvic bone fractures is important regardless of the fracture type, and efforts to reduce infection are important in open pelvic bone fractures.

Interpretable Severity Scoring of Pelvic Trauma Through Automated Fracture Detection and Bayesian Inference.

Pelvic ring disruptions result from blunt injury mechanisms and are potentially lethal mainly due to associated injuries and massive pelvic hemorrhage. The severity of pelvic fractures in trauma victims is frequently assessed by grading the fracture according to the Tile AO/OTA classification in whole-body Computed Tomography (CT) scans. Due to the high volume of whole-body CT scans generated in trauma centers, the overall information content of a single whole-body CT scan and low manual CT reading speed, an automatic approach to Tile classification would provide substantial value, e. g., to prioritize the reading sequence of the trauma radiologists or enable them to focus on other major injuries in multi-trauma patients. In such a high-stakes scenario, an automated method for Tile grading should ideally be transparent such that the symbolic information provided by the method follows the same logic a radiologist or orthopedic surgeon would use to determine the fracture grade. This paper introduces an automated yet interpretable pelvic trauma decision support system to assist radiologists in fracture detection and Tile grading. To achieve interpretability despite processing high-dimensional whole-body CT images, we design a neurosymbolic algorithm that operates similarly to human interpretation of CT scans. The algorithm first detects relevant pelvic fractures on CTs with high specificity using Faster-RCNN. To generate robust fracture detections and associated detection (un)certainties, we perform test-time augmentation of the CT scans to apply fracture detection several times in a self-ensembling approach. The fracture detections are interpreted using a structural causal model based on clinical best practices to infer an initial Tile grade. We apply a Bayesian causal model to recover likely co-occurring fractures that may have been rejected initially due to the highly specific operating point of the detector, resulting in an updated list of detected fractures and corresponding final Tile grade. Our method is transparent in that it provides fracture location and types, as well as information on important counterfactuals that would invalidate the system's recommendation. Our approach achieves an AUC of 0.89/0.74 for translational and rotational instability,which is comparable to radiologist performance. Despite being designed for human-machine teaming, our approach does not compromise on performance compared to previous black-box methods.

Comparison of pediatric pelvic fractures and associated injuries caused by different types of road traffic accidents

PurposeTo explore the clinical characteristics of pediatric pelvic fracturs caused by traffic accidents and to analyze the accompanying injuries and complications. MethodsA total of 222 cases involved traffic accidents was enrolled in this case-control study. The data of children with pelvic fractures caused by traffic accidents who were admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Sex, age, Tile classification, abbreviated injury scale score, injury severity score, mortality, and accompanying injuries were studied. The ANOVA was used for measurement data, and the non-parametric rank sum test was used for non-normally distributed data. The Fisher's exact probability method was used for the count data. ResultsOf all enrolled cases, 140 are boys and 82 are girls, including 144 aged < 6 years, 65 aged between 6 and 12 years, and 13 aged > 12 years. Depending on the injury mechanism, there are 15 cases involving pedestrians vs. motorcycles (PVM), 91 cases involving pedestrians vs. passenger cars (PVC), 78 cases involving pedestrians vs. commercial vehicles (PVV), and 38 cases involving motor vehicles vs. motor vehicles (MVM). Associated injuries are reported in 198 cases (89.2%), primarily involving the abdomen injury in 144 cases (64.9%), and lower limb injury in 99 cases (44.6%). PVV injury involves longer hospital stay (p = 0.004). Intensive care unit admission rate is significantly higher in the MVM group than in other groups (p = 0.004). Head injury (p = 0.001) and face injury (p = 0.037) are more common in the MVM group, whereas abdominal injury (p = 0.048) and lower limb injury (p = 0.037) are more common in the PVV group. In the MVM group, the brain injury (p = 0.004) and femoral neck injury (p = 0.044) are more common. In the PVM group, the mediastinum (p = 0.004), ear (p = 0.009), lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.008), and spinal cord (p = 0.011) are the most vulnerable regions, while in the PVV group, the perineum (p < 0.001), urethra (p = 0.001), rectum (p = 0.006), anus (p = 0.004), and lower limb soft tissues (p = 0.024) are the most vulnerable regions. Children aged > 12 years have higher pelvic abbreviated injury scale scores (p = 0.019). There are significant differences in the classification of pelvic fractures among children < 6, 6 – 12, and > 12 years of age, with Tile C being more likely to occur in children > 12 years of age (p = 0.033). Children aged > 12 years are more likely to sustain injuries to the spleen (p = 0.022), kidneys (p = 0.019), pancreas (p < 0.001), lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.013), and sacrum (p = 0.024). The MVM group has the highest complication rate (p = 0.003). ConclusionPVC is the leading cause of the abdomen and lower extremities injury and has the most concomitant injuries. Different traffic injuries often lead to different associated injuries. Older children are more likely to sustain more severe pelvic fractures and peripelvic organs injuries. The MVM group has the highest extent of injury and complication rates.

Performance Assessment of Out-of-Hospital Use of Pelvic Circumferential Compression Devices for Severely Injured Patients in Switzerland: A Nationwide Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Patients with severe pelvic fractures carry a greater risk of severe bleeding, and pelvic compression devices (PCCD) are used to stabilize the pelvis on the pre-hospital scene. The aim of this study was to describe the use of PCCD in the pre-hospital setting on a nationwide scale (Switzerland) and determine the sensitivity, specificity and rates of over- and under-triage of the current application practices. The secondary objective was to identify pre-hospital factors associated with unstable pelvic fractures. Retrospective cross-sectional study using anonymized patient data (1 January 2015-31 December 2020) from the Swiss Trauma Registry (STR). Based on AIS scores, patients were assigned a unique principal diagnosis among three categories (unstable pelvic fracture-stable pelvic fracture-other) and assessed for use or not of PCCD. Secondarily, patient characteristics, initial pre-hospital vital signs, means of pre-hospital transport and trauma mechanism were also extracted from the database. 2790 patients were included for analysis. A PCCD was used in 387 (13.9%) patients. In the PCCD group, 176 (45.5%) had an unstable pelvic fracture, 52 (13.4%) a stable pelvic fracture and 159 (41.1%) an injury unrelated to the pelvic region. In the group who did not receive a PCCD, 214 (8.9%) had an unstable pelvic fracture, 182 (7.6%) a stable pelvic fracture and 2007 (83.5%) an injury unrelated to the pelvic region. The nationwide sensitivity of PCCD application was 45.1% (95% CI 40.1-50.2), the specificity 91.2% (95% CI 90-92.3), with both over- and under-triage rates of 55%. The prevalence of unstable fractures in our population was 14% (390/2790). We identified female sex, younger age, lower systolic blood pressure, higher shock index, pedestrian hit and fall ≥3 m as possible risk factors for an unstable pelvic fracture. Our results demonstrate a nationwide both over- and under-triage rate of 55% for out-of-hospital PCCD application. Female gender, younger age, lower blood pressure, higher shock index, pedestrian hit and fall >3 m are possible risk factors for unstable pelvic fracture, but it remains unclear if those parameters are relevant clinically to perform pre-hospital triage.

Pulmonary embolism following severe polytrauma: a retrospective study from a level I trauma center in China.

Trauma patients are at high risk of Venous thromboembolism (VTE), but compared to well-established deep venous thrombosis (DVT), data specifically evaluating post-traumatic pulmonary embolism (PE) are scarce. The aim of this study is to assess whether PE represents a distinct clinical entity with injury pattern, risk factors, and prophylaxis strategy different from DVT, among severe poly-trauma patients. We retrospectively enrolled patients admitted to our level I trauma center from January 2011 to December 2021 who were diagnosed with severe multiple traumatic injuries and identified thromboembolic events among them. We regarded four groups as None (without thromboembolic events), DVT only, PE only, and PE with DVT. Demographics, injury characteristics, clinical outcomes, and treatments were collected and analyzed in individual groups. Patients were also classified according to the occurring time of PE, and indicative symptoms and radiological findings were compared between early PE (≤ 3days) and late PE (> 3days). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore independent risk factors for different VTE patterns. Among 3498 selected severe multiple traumatic patients, there were 398 episodes of DVT only, 19 of PE only, and 63 of PE with DVT. Injury variables associated with PE only included shock on admission and severe chest trauma. Severe pelvic fracture and mechanical ventilator days (MVD) ≥ 3 were the independent risk factors for PE with DVT. There were no significant differences in the indicative symptoms and location of pulmonary thrombi between the early and late PE groups. Obesity and severe lower extremity injury might have an impact on the incidence of early PE, while patients with a severe head injury and higher ISS are particularly at risk for developing late PE. Occurring early, lacking association with DVT, and possessing distinct risk factors warrant PE in severe poly-trauma patients special attention, especially for its prophylaxis strategy.

AN ANALYSIS OF INDIA'S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Introduction: Open fractures of the pelvis represent one of the most fatal injuries within musculoskeletal trauma so they must be treated correctly, adjusting to a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the well-being of the affected person, in addition to restoring homeostasis and normal pathophysiology related to the mechanical stability of the pelvic ring. Objective: to detail current information related to pelvic fractures, epidemiology, anatomy, mechanism of injury, classification, imaging presentation, clinical presentation, management and complications. Methodology: a total of 27 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 20 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: fracturas de pelvis, fraturas do anel pelvico, anatomy of the pelvis, fractures of the pelvis. Results: Most cases of pelvic fractures occur in young people due to high-energy mechanisms, although injuries can also be generated by low-energy mechanisms and can cause fractures of individual bones. Mortality is higher in individuals with hemodynamic instability. The standard imaging examinations in trauma are anteroposterior projections of the thorax, lateral cervical spine and anteroposterior projections of the pelvis; special projections of the pelvis include the oblique alar and obturator projections. The severity of pelvic fractures is closely related to the associated injuries. Conclusions: Knowledge of anatomy is a fundamental piece in the treatment of pelvic fractures and associated injuries. There are several systems for classifying pelvic fractures, according to anatomical patterns, mechanisms of injury, resulting instability requiring surgery. The most frequently used is that of Young and Burgess. For evaluation, one should start with the ABCDE, airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure and integrate a complete traumatologic evaluation. To determine whether there is pelvic instability, the anteroposterior and lateral compression test is performed for one occasion, generating internal and external rotation of the pelvis. The spine and extremities should be well assessed with an adequate neurovascular examination and a thorough neurological examination. In pelvic fractures, management and treatment begins with ABCDE. Followed by stabilization of the patient, a multidisciplinary approach is required. External or internal fixation can be performed to stabilize the pelvis, its use and recommendation usually vary according to the characteristics of each fracture, the associated injuries and the instability of the pelvic ring. Pelvic trauma with involvement of the acetabulum and injuries to the genitourinary system should not be underestimated. Complications include infection, thromboembolism, malunion and pseudarthrosis. KEY WORDS: fracture, pelvis, pelvic ring, pelvic trauma.

PELVIC FRACTURES, EPIDEMIOLOGY, ANATOMY, MECHANISM OF INJURY, CLASSIFICATION, IMAGING PRESENTATION, CLINICAL PRESENTATION, MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS

Introduction: Open fractures of the pelvis represent one of the most fatal injuries within musculoskeletal trauma so they must be treated correctly, adjusting to a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the well-being of the affected person, in addition to restoring homeostasis and normal pathophysiology related to the mechanical stability of the pelvic ring. Objective: to detail current information related to pelvic fractures, epidemiology, anatomy, mechanism of injury, classification, imaging presentation, clinical presentation, management and complications. Methodology: a total of 27 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 20 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: fracturas de pelvis, fraturas do anel pelvico, anatomy of the pelvis, fractures of the pelvis. Results: Most cases of pelvic fractures occur in young people due to high-energy mechanisms, although injuries can also be generated by low-energy mechanisms and can cause fractures of individual bones. Mortality is higher in individuals with hemodynamic instability. The standard imaging examinations in trauma are anteroposterior projections of the thorax, lateral cervical spine and anteroposterior projections of the pelvis; special projections of the pelvis include the oblique alar and obturator projections. The severity of pelvic fractures is closely related to the associated injuries. Conclusions: Knowledge of anatomy is a fundamental piece in the treatment of pelvic fractures and associated injuries. There are several systems for classifying pelvic fractures, according to anatomical patterns, mechanisms of injury, resulting instability requiring surgery. The most frequently used is that of Young and Burgess. For evaluation, one should start with the ABCDE, airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure and integrate a complete traumatologic evaluation. To determine whether there is pelvic instability, the anteroposterior and lateral compression test is performed for one occasion, generating internal and external rotation of the pelvis. The spine and extremities should be well assessed with an adequate neurovascular examination and a thorough neurological examination. In pelvic fractures, management and treatment begins with ABCDE. Followed by stabilization of the patient, a multidisciplinary approach is required. External or internal fixation can be performed to stabilize the pelvis, its use and recommendation usually vary according to the characteristics of each fracture, the associated injuries and the instability of the pelvic ring. Pelvic trauma with involvement of the acetabulum and injuries to the genitourinary system should not be underestimated. Complications include infection, thromboembolism, malunion and pseudarthrosis. KEY WORDS: fracture, pelvis, pelvic ring, pelvic trauma.

Angioembolization in Severe Pelvic Trauma is Associated with Venous Thromboembolism

IntroductionManagement of hemorrhage from pelvic fractures is complex and requires multidisciplinary attention. Pelvic angioembolization (AE) has become a key intervention to aid in obtaining definitive hemorrhage control. We hypothesized that pelvic AE would be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). MethodsAll adults (age >16) with a severe pelvic fracture (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥ 4) secondary to a blunt traumatic mechanism in the 2017-2019 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database were included. Patients who did not receive VTE prophylaxis during their admission were excluded. Patients who underwent pelvic AE during the first 24 h of admission were compared to those who did not using propensity score matching. Matching was performed based on patient demographics, admission physiology, comorbidities, injury severity, associated injuries, other hemorrhage control procedures, and VTE prophylaxis type, and time to initiation of VTE prophylaxis. The rates of VTE (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) were compared between the matched groups. ResultsOf 72,985 patients with a severe blunt pelvic fracture, 1887 (2.6%) underwent pelvic AE during the first 24 h of admission versus 71,098 (97.4%) who did not. Pelvic AE patients had a higher median Injury Severity Score and more often required other hemorrhage control procedures, with laparotomy being most common (24.7%). The median time to initiation of VTE prophylaxis in pelvic AE versus no pelvic AE patients was 60.1 h (interquartile range = 36.6-98.6) versus 27.7 h (interquartile range = 13.9-52.4), respectively. After propensity score matching, pelvic AE patients were more likely to develop VTE compared to no pelvic AE patients (11.8% versus 9.5%, P = 0.03). ConclusionsPelvic AE for control of hemorrhage from severe pelvic fractures is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital VTE. Patients who undergo pelvic AE are especially high risk for VTE and should be started as early as safely possible on VTE prophylaxis.

Isolated Severe Pelvic Fractures Treated With or Without Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: A Matched Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have revealed resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) may be correlated with higher mortality and acute kidney injury rates in severely injured patients. This study investigated outcomes in severe pelvic fracture patients with or without REBOA. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with severe pelvic fracture (pelvis AIS 3 or greater) in the TQIP database (2013 to 2018). Patients were excluded if transferred from another hospital, without sign of life in the emergency department, died in the emergency department, there was a penetrating mechanism, or other than lower extremity region AIS greater than 3. Propensity score matching was performed with age, vital signs, Injury Severity Score, comorbidities, each AIS region scores, and hollow viscus injuries. Outcomes were mortality and complications, including acute kidney injury, ARDS, venous thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis, severe sepsis, and ventilator-associated pneumonia or pneumonia. RESULTS: A total of 376 patients were matched: 94 patients with REBOA and 282 patients without. REBOA patients were more likely to undergo laparotomy (62.8% vs 42.9%, p < 0.001) and had higher transfusion rates (12 vs 5 units PRBC, p < 0.001). The REBOA group had worse 24-hour mortality (23.1% vs 13.2%; p = 0.024), worse in-hospital mortality (31.9% vs 21.3%, p = 0.036), higher venous thromboembolism rate (13.8% vs 6.7%, p = 0.033) and higher deep venous thrombosis rate (11.7% vs 6.3%, p = 0.009; Table). Table. - Postmatched Outcome Variable Total, N = 376 No REBOA, n = 282 (75%) REBOA, n = 94 (25%) p Value HLOS, days * 15.0 (6.0–28.0) 15.0 (7.0–27.0) 18.0 (2.0–28.0) 0.947 ICU LOS, days* 7.0 (3.0–15.0) 7.0 (3.0–15.0) 7.5 (3.0–14.0) 0.676 AKI 30 (8%) 19 (6.7%) 11 (11.7%) 0.124 ARDS 12 (3.2%) 10 (3.5%) 2 (2.2%) 0.738 VTE 32 (8.5%) 19 (6.7%) 13 (13.8%) 0.033 DVT 23 (6.1%) 12 (4.3%) 11 (11.7%) 0.009 VAP or pneumonia 19 (5.1%) 15 (5.3%) 4 (4.3%) 0.792 24-h mortality* 58 (15.6%) 37 (13.2%) 21 (23.1%) 0.024 In-hospital mortality 90 (23.9%) 60 (21.3%) 30 (31.9%) 0.036 AKI, acute kidney injury; DVT, deep venous thrombosis; HLOS, hospital length of stay; LOS, length of stay; REBOA, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta; VAP, ventilator-associated pneumonia; VTE, venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: REBOA use in severe pelvic trauma patients is correlated with higher rates of mortality, venous thromboembolism, and deep venous thrombosis compared with no REBOA. Further randomized controlled studies should be designed to verify the benefits of REBOA use in severe trauma patients.

Worse outcomes with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in severe pelvic fracture: A matched cohort study

BackgroundSevere pelvic fracture is the most common indication for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). This matched cohort study investigated outcomes with or without REBOA use in isolated severe pelvic fractures. MethodsTrauma Quality Improvement Program database study, included patients with isolated severe pelvic fracture (AIS≥3), excluded associated injuries with AIS >3 for any region other than lower extremity. REBOA patients were propensity score matched to similar patients without REBOA. Outcomes were mortality and complications. Results93 REBOA patients were matched with 279 without. REBOA patients had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (32.3% vs 19%, p = 0.008), higher rates of venous thromboembolism (14% vs 6.5%, p = 0.023) and DVT (11.8% vs 5.4%, p = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, REBOA use was independently associated with increased mortality and venous thromboembolism. ConclusionsREBOA in severe pelvic fractures is associated with higher rates of mortality, venous thromboembolism.

Effect of C-Clamp Application on Hemodynamic Instability in Polytrauma Victims with Pelvic Fracture.

Background and Objectives: C-clamp application may reduce mortality in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Decreasing C-clamp use over the past decades may have resulted from concerns about its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to document effective hemodynamic stabilization after C-clamp application by means of vital parameters (primary outcome parameter), and the subsequent effect on metabolic indices and volume management (secondary outcome parameters). Materials and Methods: C-clamp application was performed between 2014 and 2021 for n = 13 patients (50 ± 18 years) with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Vital parameters, metabolic indices, volume management, and the correlation of factors and potential changes were analyzed. Results: After C-clamp application, increases were measured in systolic blood pressure (+15 mmHg; p = 0.0284) and mean arterial pressure (+12 mmHg; p = 0.0157), and a reduction of volume requirements (p = 0.0266) and bolus vasoactive medication needs (p = 0.0081) were observed. The earlier C-clamp application was performed, the greater the effect (p < 0.05; r > 0.6). Heart rate, shock index, and end-tidal CO2 were not significantly altered. The extent of base deficit, hemoglobin, and lactate did not correlate with changes in vital parameters. Conclusions: In the majority of hemodynamically unstable trauma patients not responding to initial fluid resuscitation and severe pelvic fracture, early C-clamp application had an additive effect on hemodynamic stabilization and reduction in volume substitution. Based on these findings, there is still a rationale for considering early C-clamp stabilization in this group of severely injured patients.

Angioembolization versus preperitoneal packing for severe pelvic fractures: A propensity matched analysis

BackgroundWhether AE or PPP would be associated with survival among hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture remains controversial. Study designThis is a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2016 to 2018. Patients >16 years with a severe pelvic fracture (abbreviated injury scale 3–5) who underwent AE or PPP were recruited. The primary outcome was in-hospital survival. Data were evaluated using a propensity-score matching (PSM) analysis. ResultsA total of 1123 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these, AE and PPP were performed in 964 (85.8%) and 159 (14.2%) patients, respectively. Concomitant hemorrhage control laparotomy was performed in 25.6% and 82.4% of AE and PPP patients, respectively. In 220 PSM patients, the mortality rate between AE and PPP groups was not significantly different (30.9% vs. 38.2%, P = 0.321). ConclusionsThough patients’ characteristics differed between AE and PPP groups, comparable propensity-matched patients with severe pelvic fractures showed no significant difference in in-hospital survival. PPP was more likely to be selected for severe pelvic fractures necessitating laparotomy.

Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing is Associated With Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

IntroductionPreperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) is an important intervention for control of severe pelvic hemorrhage in blunt trauma patients. We hypothesized that PPP is associated with an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of blunt trauma patients with severe pelvic fractures (AIS ≥4) using the 2015-2017 American College of Surgeons-Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was performed. Patients who underwent PPP within four hours of admission were matched to patients who did not using propensity score matching. Matching was performed based on demographics, comorbidities, injury- and resuscitation-related parameters, vital signs at presentation, and initiation and type of prophylactic anticoagulation. The rates of DVT and PE were compared between the matched groups. ResultsOut of 5129 patients with severe pelvic fractures, 157 (3.1%) underwent PPP within four h of presentation and were matched with 157 who did not. No significant differences were detected between the two matched groups in any of the examined baseline variables. Similarly, mortality and end-organ failure rates were not different. However, PPP patients were significantly more likely to develop DVT (12.7% versus 5.1%, P = 0.028) and PE (5.7% versus 0.0%, P = 0.003). ConclusionsPPP in severe pelvic fractures secondary to blunt trauma is associated with an increased risk of DVT and PE. A high index of suspicion and a low threshold for screening for these conditions should be maintained in patients who undergo PPP.

Race does matter: venous thromboembolism in trauma patients with isolated severe pelvic fractures.

Studies in non-trauma populations have shown that Black patients have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to other races. We sought to determine whether this association exists in trauma patients. The incidence of VTE is particularly high following severe pelvic fractures. To limit confounding factors associated with additional injuries, we examined patients with isolated blunt severe pelvic fractures. The TQIP database (2013-2017) was queried for all patients who sustained isolated blunt severe pelvic fractures (AIS ≥ 3) and received VTE prophylaxis (VTEp) with either unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin. The study groups were Asian, Black, and White race as defined by TQIP. The primary outcome was differences in the rate of thromboembolic events. A total of 9491 patients were included in the study. Of these, 232 (2.4%) were Asian, 1238 (13.0%) Black, and 8021 (84.5%) White. There was no significant difference in the distribution of pelvis AIS 3,4,5 between the groups. Black patients had a significantly higher incidence of VTE, DVT and PE compared to Asians and Whites. After adjusting for differences between the groups, Black patients had higher odds of developing pulmonary embolism (OR 1.887, 95% CI 1.101-3.232, p = 0.021) compared to White patients. In this nationwide study of trauma patients with severe pelvic fractures, Black patients were more likely to develop pulmonary embolism compared to White patients. Further research to identify the determinants of racial disparities in trauma-related VTE is warranted, to target interventions that can improve VTE outcomes for all patients.

The trauma pelvic X-ray: Not all pelvic fractures are created equally

BackgroundThe primary aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the initial pelvic X-ray in identifying significant pelvic fractures, which could result in changes in the management of the patient. MethodsPatients admitted to a level I trauma center (2010–2019) with a severe blunt pelvic fracture (AIS ≥3) were identified. Included in the analysis were patients who underwent emergency department pelvic X-ray followed by CT scan. A control group of patients without pelvic fractures was also included in the study. All investigations were reviewed by a blinded attending trauma radiologist. Pelvic X-ray findings and CT scan reports were compared according to the specific pelvic fracture location, and severity. ResultsOverall, pelvic X-ray was diagnosed 252 of the 285 pelvic fractures (sensitivity 88.4%) and wrongly diagnosed a facture in 3 of 97 patients without a fracture (specificity 96.9%). In 29/184 (15.8%) of patients with pelvic fracture AIS 3, the pelvic X-ray was read as normal, missing the fracture, compared with 4/101 (4.0%) in the AIS 4/5 group (p = 0.003). Pelvic X-ray had the lowest sensitivity in ischial (10.7%), iliac (28.7%), acetabular (42.4%), and sacral fractures (49.1%) and was best for detecting symphysis diastasis (89.8%). ConclusionPelvic X-ray is useful in identifying pubic symphysis diastasis. However, it misses or underestimates a significant number of fractures. CT scan evaluation should be performed in patients with a suspicious mechanism or clinical suspicion of pelvic fracture.