PELVIC FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN PERINEAL WOUNDS - A SURVIVABLE INJURY

Blunt pelviperineal trauma has been associated with mortality rates of 32% to 58% in recent literature. A review of our institution's experi ence revealed a much lower mortality rate, prompting further investiga tion. Nine hundred-seventy five patients with pelvic fractures were ad mitted to our institution from July 1984 through June 1991. The mortal ity rate for all pelvic fractures was 7.3%. During this interval 21 pa tients (2.2%) were admitted with open pelvic fractures. Only one patie nt in this group died. Our low mortality figures were the result of be tter control of pelvic hemorrhage and sepsis, and a lower incidence of associated injuries to the head and thorax, representing a more favor able mechanism of injury.