[Patients with hemodynamic unstable pelvic fractures in extremis: pelvic packing or angiography?]. / Pacientes con fractura de pelvis inestables hemodinámicamente in extremis ¿packing pélvico o arteriografía?

The multidisciplinary management of patients with pelvic trauma has improved prognosis, but mortality is still very high. The appropriate treatment strategy remains controversial, especially regarding the control of bleeding in patients whose clinical situation is extreme by using angiography or pelvic packing. We propose using a tool of evidence-based medicine (CAT) the benefit of the completion of pelvic packing in relation to a specific clinical question from a specific situation. What is best for the management of bleeding, extraperitoneal pelvic packing or angiography, in patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture in extremis? From this study we can conclude that angiography may improve control of bleeding in patients with arterial bleeding and hemodynamically stable but the packing has priority in patients with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability.

Biomechanical analysis of a new minimally invasive system for osteosynthesis of pubis symphysis disruption.

INTRODUCTION: We analysed the effectiveness of a new percutaneous osteosynthesis system for the treatment of pelvis fractures with rotational instability. METHODS: A pre-clinical cross-sectional experimental study wherein Tile type B1 injuries (open-book fractures) were produced in 10 specimens of fresh human cadavers, including the L4-5 vertebrae, pelvic ring, and proximal third of the femur, keeping intact the capsular and ligamentous structures, is presented in this paper. The physiological mobility of the intact pelvis in a standing position post-injury was compared to that following the performance of a minimally invasive osteosynthesis of the symphysis with two cannulated screws. A specially designed test rig capable of applying loads simulating different weights, coupled with a photogrammetry system, was employed to determine the 3D displacements and rotations in three test cases: intact, injured and fixed. RESULTS: After applying an axial load of 300 N, no differences were observed in the average displacement (mm) of the facet joints of the intact pubic symphysis in comparison to those treated with screws (p >0.7). A statistical difference was observed between the average displacements of the sacroiliac facet joints and pelvises with symphyseal fractures treated with screws after the application of a load (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The symphyseal setting with two crossed screws appears to be an effective alternative to osteosynthesis in pelvic fractures with rotational instability.