Diagnostics, classification and indications for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries

For primary evaluation, classification and indication of pelvic ring injuri es the exact knowledge of the injury mechanism and the clinical and radiolo gical signs is mandatory. Clear injury definitions are proved for prognosti cal reasons and for the timing of the specific treatment. The simple classi fication of stable A-type injuries, rotational B-type injuries and translat ionally stable C-type injuries is the basis for further treatment. Whereas A-type fractures normally need no surgical stabilization, except in severel y displaced fractures or possible organ injuries due to fracture fragments, in B-type injuries solely stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring provid es sufficient stability for early ambulation with partial weight bearing. I n C-type injuries a combined posterior and anterior stabilization is requir ed for anatomical reduction and early ambulation. With this concept the pel vic girdle can be reconstructed anatomically in the majority of cases.