Pelvic fractures in children

Abstract

Although rare, pelvic fractures in children have significant morbidity and mortality. No specific guidelines have been developed for the management of these injuries. We reviewed all trauma patients of age 16 years or younger with pelvic fractures treated at our Level I trauma center over the past 12 years. Of 1008 patients with pelvic fractures, 74 were children. Early hemodynamic instability was seen in 14 per cent of cases. Blood transfusions were required in 26 per cent of cases, angiography in 3 per cent of cases, operations for associated injuries in 46 per cent of cases, operative pelvic fracture fixation in 18 per cent of cases, and intensive care unit care in 58 per cent of cases. Mortality was 5 per cent, mostly from hemorrhage and multiple complex injuries. We conclude that pelvic fractures in children are associated with a high frequency of pelvic bleeding and associated injuries that often require operative interventions and intensive care unit care.