Pelvic fracture-related hypotension: A review of contemporary adjuncts for hemorrhage control.

ABSTRACT: Major pelvic hemorrhage remains a considerable challenge of modern trauma care associated with mortality in over a third of patients. Efforts to improve outcomes demand continued research into the optimal employment of both traditional and newer hemostatic adjuncts across the full spectrum of emergent care environments. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise description of the rationale for and effective use of currently available adjuncts for the control of pelvic hemorrhage. In addition, the challenges of defining the optimal order and algorithm for employment of these adjuncts will be outlined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review, level IV.

Venous Tumor Thrombus in Primary Bone Sarcomas in the Pelvis: A Clinical and Radiographic Study of 451 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Few investigations of venous tumor thrombus (VTT) in primary pelvic bone sarcomas are available. We aimed to identify the prevalence, associated factors, and prognosis of VTT across different types of pelvic sarcomas and to propose an algorithm for management. METHODS: We included 451 consecutive cases of primary, bone-derived, treatment-naive, pelvic sarcomas in this study. Demographic data and the results of initial laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and oncological evaluations were extracted and analyzed. Forty-four cases of VTT were diagnosed with radiographic examinations, and 18 of them were verified histologically. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of chondrosarcomas (41.2%), osteosarcomas (30.4%), Ewing sarcomas (15.5%), bone-derived undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (5.8%), and other bone sarcomas (7.1%). The prevalence of VTT was 9.8% in the whole group, and associated factors included a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level of ≥230.5 U/L and invasion of the L5-S1 intervertebral foramen. Patients with pelvic osteosarcoma had a high prevalence of VTT (22.6%), and the associated factors in this group included a chondroblastic subtype, an LDH level of ≥187 U/L, and invasion of the obturator foramen and the L5-S1 intervertebral foramen. Patients with VTT had a poor prognosis with a median overall survival time of 14 months. Subgroup analyses of localized pelvic osteosarcoma indicated that the presence of VTT decreased the median overall survival time (21.5 versus 54.0 months for those without VTT, p = 0.003), median recurrence-free survival time (18.6 versus 32.4 months, p = 0.020), and median metastasis-free survival time (11.2 versus 41.0 months, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VTT is most common in patients with pelvic osteosarcoma as compared with patients with other primary bone sarcomas, and it is associated with several factors. It is a negative prognostic factor. An algorithm for management of pelvic sarcomas with VTT stratified by the classification of the VTT might be beneficial, but further validation is necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A nomogram to predict arterial bleeding in patients with pelvic fractures after blunt trauma: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic bone fractures are one of the biggest challenges faced by trauma surgeons. Especially, the presence of bleeding and hemodynamic instability features is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with pelvic fractures. However, prediction of the occurrence of arterial bleeding causing massive hemorrhage in patients with pelvic fractures is difficult. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict arterial bleeding in patients with pelvic bone fractures after blunt trauma. METHODS: The medical records of 1404 trauma patients treated between January 2013 and August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients older than 15 years with a pelvic fracture due to blunt trauma were enrolled (n = 148). The pelvic fracture pattern on anteroposterior radiography was classified according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (OTA/AO) system. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine the independent risk factors for arterial bleeding. A nomogram was constructed based on the identified risk factors. RESULTS: The most common pelvic fracture pattern was type A (58.8%), followed by types B (34.5%) and C (6.7%). Of the 148 patients, 28 (18.9%) showed pelvic arterial bleeding on contrast-enhanced computed tomography or angiography, or in the operative findings. The independent risk factors for arterial bleeding were a type B or C pelvic fracture pattern, body temperature < 36 °C, and serum lactate level > 3.4 mmol/L. A nomogram was developed using these three parameters, along with a systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model for discrimination was 0.8579. The maximal Youden index was 0.1527, corresponding to a cutoff value of 68.65 points, which was considered the optimal cutoff value for predicting the occurrence of arterial bleeding in patients with pelvic bone fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The developed nomogram, which was based on the initial clinical findings identifying risk factors for arterial bleeding, is expected to be helpful in rapidly establishing a treatment plan and improving the prognosis for patients with pelvic bone fractures.

Safety Precautions for the Corona Mortis using Minimally Invasive Ilioinguinal Approach in Treatment of Anterior Pelvic Ring Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety of the corona mortis of the minimally invasive plate insertion in treatment of the anterior pelvic ring fracture by studying the relationship between the vessel and the position of plate. METHOD: The corona mortis was dissected out of eight adult cadavers and were simulated for the insertion of the anterior ring minimally invasive plate, and the presence of the anastomotic branch (the corona mortis) in the suprapubic branch area was observed. After the Corona mortis stripped off, the data was measured, such as the length, vessel diameter, distance from the pubic tubercle, and the maximum vertical distance between the corona mortis and the pubis. The measured data and the previous literatures were analyzed to study the morphology of the corona mortis and the position relation between the corona mortis and the placement of subperiosteal tunnel through the minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach. RESULTS: Out of the 16 unilateral pelvises, the corona mortis were observed on 12 unilateral pelvises with an incidence rate of 75%. Amongst them, there were seven cases of vein anastomosis (incidence of 43.75%), three cases of arterial anastomosis (incidence of 18.75%), and two cases of both arterial anastomosis and vein anastomosis (incidence of 12.5%). The corona mortis length ranged between 24.5 and 37.5 mm (average of 30.7 ± 3.6 mm); the diameter ranged between 1.6 and 3.5 mm (average of 2.5 ± 0.5 mm) and the distance between the vessels and the pubic tubercle was between 53.9 and 65.2 mm (average of 59.0 ± 3.6 mm). Above the pubis, the corona mortis originated from the iliac or the inferior epigastric vessel. It crossed the pubic branch to the dorsal side of the pubis and proceeded downward to anastomize with the obturator vessels near the obturator. Toothless tweezers were used to peel and lift up the corona mortis from the pubic bone. The maximum vertical distance between the corona mortis and the pubis ranged between 8.8 and 18.3 mm (average of 12.6 ± 3.0 mm). CONCLUSION: The corona mortis have a high rate of incidence, with a large number of differences in the type and shape of blood vessels among patients. Following peeling, the movement between the corona mortis and pubic bone is limited. Nevertheless, the plate and bone exfoliator still passed safely. Therefore, when surgeons use the minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach to establish channels, the process of subperiosteal stripping must be performed to avoid any accidental injury.

Pelvic injury patterns in blast: Morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic trauma has emerged as one of the most severe injuries to be sustained by the victim of a blast insult. The incidence and mortality due to blast-related pelvic trauma is not known, and no data exist to assess the relative risk of clinical or radiological indicators of mortality. METHODS: The UK Joint Theater Trauma Registry was interrogated to identify those sustaining blast-mediated pelvic fractures during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, from 2003 to 2014, with subsequent computed tomography image analysis. Casualties that sustained more severe injuries remote to the pelvis were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine casualties with a 36% overall mortality rate were identified. Pelvic vascular injury, unstable pelvic fracture patterns, traumatic amputation, and perineal injury were higher in the dismounted fatality group (p < 0.05). All fatalities sustained a pelvic vascular injury. Pelvic vascular injury had the highest relative risk of death for any individual injury and an associated mortality of 56%. Dismounted casualties that sustained unstable pelvic fracture patterns, traumatic amputation, and perineal injury were at three times greater risk (relative risk, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-7.09) to have sustained a pelvic vascular injury than those that did not sustain these associated injuries. Opening of the pubic symphysis and at least one sacroiliac joint was significantly associated with pelvic vascular injury (p < 0.001), and the lateral displacement of the sacroiliac joints was identified as a fair predictor of pelvic vascular injury (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73). CONCLUSION: Dismounted blast casualties with pelvic fracture are at significant risk of a noncompressible pelvic vascular injury. Initial management of these patients should focus upon controlling noncompressible pelvic bleeding. Clinical and radiological predictors of vascular injury and mortality suggest that mitigation strategies aiming to attenuate lateral displacement of the pelvis following blast are likely to result in fewer fatalities and a reduced injury burden. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

A study of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging features and influence factors of pelvic bone marrow in adult females.

Perfusion of the pelvic bone marrow is reduced in the postmenopausal group and with age. Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI could reflect the blood supply characteristics and hemodynamic changes of the pelvic bone marrow. These results contribute to the description of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal females and the elderly. INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effect of menstrual status and age on the perfusion of pelvic bone marrow in adult females using quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). METHODS: In total, 96 adult females who underwent DCE-MRI between September 2017 and December 2017 were included. All the subjects' quantitative DCE-MRI parameters of pelvic bone marrow were measured and retrospectively analyzed, including Ktrans (volume transfer constant), Kep (efflux rate constant), and Ve (interstitial volume). According to their menstrual status, the subjects were divided into a premenopausal group (n = 39) and a postmenopausal group (n = 57), and the two groups were then divided into four subgroups according to age. The intraobserver reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The parameters were compared between different menstrual status groups and age subgroups by Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the age and the quantitative parameters. RESULTS: The ICCs of the Ktrans, Kep, and Ve values were 0.989, 0.974, and 0.920, respectively. Ktrans, Kep, and Ve of the premenopausal group were significantly higher than those of the postmenopausal group (P < 0.05). The overall age was negatively correlated with Ktrans, Kep, and Ve (r = - 0.590, - 0.357, and - 0.381, respectively, P < 0.05). In the premenopausal group, Ktrans and Ve were significantly higher in subgroup 1 (≤ 40 years) compared with subgroup 2 (> 40 years) (P < 0.05), and age showed a negative correlation with Ktrans and Ve (r = - 0.344 and - 0.334, respectively, P < 0.05). In the postmenopausal group, Ktrans and Kep were significantly higher in subgroup 3 (≤ 60 years) compared with subgroup 4 (> 60 years) (P < 0.05), and age showed a negative correlation with Ktrans and Kep (r = - 0.460 and - 0.303, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Menstrual status and age have significant effects on the perfusion of the pelvic bone marrow microenvironment in adult females and that the microenvironment of the pelvic bone marrow displays different changes at different age stages. Quantitative DCE-MRI has contributed to the interpretation of the pelvic bone marrow perfusion status.

Prediction of arterial extravasation in pelvic fracture patients with stable hemodynamics using coagulation biomarkers.

Background: Determining the presence of an active arterial hemorrhage in the acute phase is important as a treatment strategy in patients with pelvic fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether coagulation biomarkers could predict arterial extravasation, especially in pelvic fracture patients with stable hemodynamics. Methods: We studied patients with a pelvic fracture who had a systolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg and lactate level less than 5.0 mmol/L on hospital arrival. Patients were divided into two groups: those with arterial extravasation on enhanced computed tomography (CT) or angiography (extravasation [+] group) and those without arterial extravasation (extravasation [-] group). Coagulation biomarkers measured on arrival were statistically compared between the two groups. Predictive ability of arterial extravasation using coagulation biomarkers was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic analyses provided area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROC) and diagnostic indicators with optimal cutoff point including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Results: Sixty patients were analyzed. Fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimer, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), and the ratio of FDP to fibrinogen were significantly higher in the extravasation (+) group than in the extravasation (-) group (FDP, 242 µg/mL [145-355] vs. 96 µg/mL [58-153]; D-dimer, 81 µg/mL [41-140] vs. 39 µg/mL [21-75]; PT-INR, 1.09 [1.05-1.24] vs. 1.02 [0.98-1.08]; and ratio of FDP to fibrinogen, 1.06 [0.85-2.01] vs. 0.46 [0.25-0.74]). The highest AUROC was with a ratio of FDP to fibrinogen of 0.777 (95% confidence interval, 0.656-0.898), and the highest predictive ability in terms of DOR was with a ratio of FDP to fibrinogen (sensitivity, 0.76; specificity, 0.76; DOR 9.90). Conclusion: Coagulation biomarker could predict of arterial extravasation in pelvic fracture patients with stable hemodynamics.

Where and what arteries are most likely injured with pelvic fractures?: The Influence of Localization, Shape, and Fracture Dislocation on the Arterial Injury During Pelvic Fractures.

Blood vessels passing through pelvic region come into intimate contact with pelvic bone and can be injured by the sharp edges of the dislocated fracture fragments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of localization, shape, and dislocation of individual pelvic ring bones' fractures on arterial injuries. The study group consisted of 474 patients enrolled in a 1-year prospective multicenter study. The pattern of pelvic fracture lines was characterized and recorded on a planar diagram of the subjected side of the pelvis. The diagram was subdivided into 11 designated areas. Frequency of injury at each 11 areas was recorded. The course of individual arteries in the 11 areas was also recorded in relation to each type of pelvic fractures. Out of the 474 investigated patients, the highest proportion of fractures occurred in the areas of the superior (62%) and inferior (59%) ramus of the pubis as well as in the lateral part of the sacrum (19%). These locations can be associated with injuries of the external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, and aberrant obturator arteries. The highest risk of arterial injuries was associated with vertically displaced fractures in the middle part of the superior and inferior pubic rami, along the ischial ramus, in the apex of the greater sciatic notch and in the vicinity of the ventral part of the sacroiliac joint, where the artery runs at a distance of less than 1 cm from the bone. Clin. Anat. 32:682-688, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Imaging and Endovascular Treatment of Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: Review Article.

Pelvic fractures are potentially life-threatening injuries with high mortality rates, mainly due to intractable pelvic arterial bleeding. However, concomitant injuries are frequent and may also be the cause of significant blood loss. As treatment varies depending on location and type of hemorrhage, timely imaging is of critical importance. Contrast-enhanced CT offers fast and detailed information on location and type of bleeding. Angiography with embolization for pelvic fracture hemorrhage, particularly when performed early, has shown high success rates as well as low complication rates and is currently accepted as the first method of bleeding control in pelvic fracture-related arterial hemorrhage. In the current review imaging workup, patient selection, technique, results and complications of pelvic embolization are described.

Clinical implications of fracture-associated vascular damage in extremity and pelvic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Vascular damage in polytrauma patients is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, specific clinical implications of vascular damage with fractures in major trauma patients are reassessed. METHODS: This comprehensive nine-year retrospective single center cohort study analyzed demography, laboratory, treatment and outcome data from 3689 patients, 64 patients with fracture-associated vascular injuries were identified and were compared to a control group. RESULTS: Vascular damage occurred in 7% of patients with upper and lower limb and pelvic fractures admitted to the trauma room. Overall survival was 80% in pelvic fracture and 97% in extremity fracture patients and comparable to non-vascular trauma patients. Additional arterial damage required substantial fluid administration and was visible as significantly anemia and disturbed coagulation tests upon admission. Open procedures were done in over 80% of peripheral extremity vascular damage. Endovascular procedures were predominant (87%) in pelvic injury. CONCLUSION: Vascular damage is associated with high mortality rates especially in combination with pelvic fractures. Initial anemia, disturbed coagulation tests and the need for extensive pre-clinical fluid substitution were observed in the cohort with vascular damage. Therefore, fast diagnosis and early interventional and surgical procedures are necessary to optimize patient-specific outcome.

Orthopedic implications of the corona mortis: a case report / Implicaciones ortopédicas de la corona mortis: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: Corona mortis is classified as a connection between the inferior epigastric and obturator vessels over the superior pubic ramus. Its incidence varies among different studies. The corona mortis is an extremely important anatomical variation as it can be injured in a great number of procedures. Moreover, it can also be injured during pelvic or acetabular fractures. A male cadaver fixed in a 10 % formalin solution had its pelvic region dissected and an arterial corona mortis was observed on its right side. The left hemipelvis presented no variations whatsoever. This vessel was measured with the aid of a digital caliper. We aim to report this variation and address - from an orthopedic point of view - the clinical and surgical significance of the corona mortis.

RESUMEN: La corona mortis es clasificada como una conexión entre los vasos epigástricos inferiores y obturadores sobre la rama superior del pubis. Su incidencia varía según los diferentes estudios. La corona mortis es una variación anatómica extremadamente importante, ya que se es posible dañarla en un número significativo de procedimientos. Además, también puede resultar lesionada durante las fracturas pélvicas o acetabulares. Durante la disección de un cadáver de sexo masculino fijado en solución de formalina al 10 %, se observó la corona mortis arterial en el lado derecho de la región pélvica. El lado izquierdo de la pelvis no presentó ninguna variación. Se midió la corona mortis con ayuda de un calibre digital. Nuestro objetivo fue informar sobre esta variación y abordar - desde el punto de vista ortopédico - la importancia clínica y quirúrgica de la corona mortis.

Effect of arterial deprivation on growing femoral epiphysis: quantitative magnetic resonance imaging using a piglet model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion MRI for the evaluation of femoral head ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unilateral femoral head ischemia was induced by selective embolization of the medial circumflex femoral artery in 10 piglets. All MRIs were performed immediately (1 hour) and after embolization (1, 2, and 4 weeks). Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated for the femoral head. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters (Kep and Ve from two-compartment model) and semi-quantitative parameters including peak enhancement, time-to-peak (TTP), and contrast washout were evaluated. RESULTS: The epiphyseal ADC values of the ischemic hip decreased immediately (1 hour) after embolization. However, they increased rapidly at 1 week after embolization and remained elevated until 4 weeks after embolization. Perfusion MRI of ischemic hips showed decreased epiphyseal perfusion with decreased Kep immediately after embolization. Signal intensity-time curves showed delayed TTP with limited contrast washout immediately post-embolization. At 1-2 weeks after embolization, spontaneous reperfusion was observed in ischemic epiphyses. The change of ADC (p = 0.043) and Kep (p = 0.043) were significantly different between immediate (1 hour) after embolization and 1 week post-embolization. CONCLUSION: Diffusion MRI and pharmacokinetic model obtained from the DCE-MRI are useful in depicting early changes of perfusion and tissue damage using the model of femoral head ischemia in skeletally immature piglets.

Effect of Arterial Deprivation on Growing Femoral Epiphysis: Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using a Piglet Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion MRI for the evaluation of femoral head ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unilateral femoral head ischemia was induced by selective embolization of the medial circumflex femoral artery in 10 piglets. All MRIs were performed immediately (1 hour) and after embolization (1, 2, and 4 weeks). Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated for the femoral head. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters (Kep and Ve from two-compartment model) and semi-quantitative parameters including peak enhancement, time-to-peak (TTP), and contrast washout were evaluated. RESULTS: The epiphyseal ADC values of the ischemic hip decreased immediately (1 hour) after embolization. However, they increased rapidly at 1 week after embolization and remained elevated until 4 weeks after embolization. Perfusion MRI of ischemic hips showed decreased epiphyseal perfusion with decreased Kep immediately after embolization. Signal intensity-time curves showed delayed TTP with limited contrast washout immediately post-embolization. At 1-2 weeks after embolization, spontaneous reperfusion was observed in ischemic epiphyses. The change of ADC (p = 0.043) and Kep (p = 0.043) were significantly different between immediate (1 hour) after embolization and 1 week post-embolization. CONCLUSION: Diffusion MRI and pharmacokinetic model obtained from the DCE-MRI are useful in depicting early changes of perfusion and tissue damage using the model of femoral head ischemia in skeletally immature piglets.

Outcome of angiographic embolisation for unstable pelvic ring injuries: Factors predicting success.

INTRODUCTION: Angiographic embolisation (AE) is a successful treatment for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries. However, recent evidence has shown a significant complication rate following AE together with a lower success rate than previously reported. The aim of the current study was to review and indentify the factors predicting success or failure of AE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 651 patients with high energy (ISS>16) pelvic ring injuries were treated in our institution between the years 1997 and 2009. Mean patient age was 37 (range 5-89) years, and the average ISS 33.4 (range 16-66). Patients' information was collected from the institution's trauma registry as well as from the patient's medical chart and radiographs. Data included age, ISS, length of stay, ICU stay, initial blood pressure and pulse, blood products consumption, blood creatinine levels, fracture type and treatment, embolisation details, complications and mortality. 61 patients (9.3%) underwent urgent angiography due to haemodynamic instability. Angiography was positive (PA) in 38 patients (62.3%) and was negative for haemorrhage (NA) in the remaining 23 (37.7%). RESULTS: Ten patients required a branch vessel embolisation while 17 patients required major vessel embolisation, 11 required bilateral internal iliac embolisation and three patients underwent multiple vessel embolisation. Overall mortality rate was 26%. 32 patients required surgical intervention for pelvic ring stabilisation. Significant reduction in blood transfusion was seen in patients with an APC fracture type following AE. No significant correlation was found between fracture type and mortality. Multiple vessel embolisations were associated with increased surgical complications and mortality. DISCUSSION: Angiographic embolisation provides a reasonable option for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injured patients with an acceptable outcome, supporting previously reported literature. Patients with unstable APC type pelvic fracture may benefit the most from early angiographic embolisation. Patients requiring multiple vessel embolisation have a guarded outcome.

Vascular risk reduction during anterior surgical approach sacroiliac joint plating.

INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of sacroiliac (SI) joint is often performed through an anterior approach. However, there were no studies to our knowledge which described the "at risk area" for injury to the nutrient artery as it relates to open reduction and internal fixation of the SI joint. The purpose of this study was to determine the "at risk area" for the nutrient artery during anterior surgical approaches to the SI joint and to define the safe location of the plate for SI joint fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six right and five left hemipelvises (three male and three female cadavers) were dissected with a mean age of 72 years (range, 51-90 years). Three bony landmarks including the pelvic brim, anterior SI joint line, and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) were identified to quantify the measurements. Three different measurements were taken: from the nutrient foramen to the anterior SI joint line; from the nutrient foramen to the nearest point on the pelvic brim; from the nutrient foramen to ASIS using a flexible ruler with a 1mm base. RESULTS: The nutrient artery courses across the SI joint to enter into the nutrient foramen. Whilst exposing the internal surface of the SI joint, the nutrient foramen was identified at a mean distance of 88.1mm medial to ASIS, 20.1mm above the pelvic brim, and 20.1mm lateral to SI joint. The variability of the location of the nutrient foramen was identified and was located from 80mm to 95mm medial to the ASIS, 12mm to 25mm lateral to the SI joint, and 16mm to 30mm above the pelvic brim. CONCLUSION: Familiarity of the vasculature of the internal pelvis is of utmost importance for the surgeon when considering operative fixation of the anterior SI joint. We were able to identify the relation of the nutrient artery to the anatomic landmarks of the internal pelvis and to define the "at risk area" for the nutrient artery. We believe increased understanding of the anatomy of the nutrient artery will aid in the avoidance of vascular complications during internal fixation of the anterior SI joint.

Early fracture stabilisation in the presence of subclinical hypoperfusion.

INTRODUCTION: In polytrauma patients with an injury severity score (ISS)>16, early long bone and pelvic fracture fixation within 24h after injury has been shown to be beneficial. In contrast, surgery in the presence of subclinical hypoperfusion (SCH), defined as normal vital signs with a serum lactate≥2.5mmol/L may be detrimental. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fracture fixation in polytrauma patients with SCH. METHODS: We undertook a database review extracting 88 polytrauma patients with a new injury severity score (NISS)>16 with significant long bone or pelvic fractures (extremity NISS≥9) who underwent surgical fracture stabilisation within 48h of injury. In the group of patients with normal vital signs (mean arterial pressure≥60mmHg and heart rate≤110 beats/min) we compared outcomes between those with a normal preoperative lactate (<2.5mmol/L) and those with a raised lactate (≥2.5mmol/L). RESULTS: Of the 36 patients with normal preoperative vital signs, 17 had normal lactates (control group) and 19 abnormal lactates (SCH group). There were no significant differences in the method of fixation or theatre time between the groups. The SCH group required more inotropic support in the first 24h post surgery (p=0.02) and had higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores on day 3 (p=0.003). Although not reaching mathematical significance those with SCH required on average 10 days longer on mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Early fracture fixation in patients with SCH as defined by normal vital signs and a lactate≥2.5mmol/L is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Consideration should be given to delaying surgery in this cohort.

Operating room or angiography suite for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures?

BACKGROUND: Few patients require angiography and therapeutic embolization for bleeding pelvic fractures, but they are risk for significant morbidity and mortality. In hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with pelvic fractures, the decision to proceed to the operating room (OR) to address intraabdominal bleeding, or angiography to address pelvic bleeding (ANGIO), is rarely straightforward. This study tested the hypothesis that outcomes are similar regardless if the sequence was OR-ANGIO or ANGIO-OR. METHODS: All pelvic fractures between 1999 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by initial management with ANGIO or OR. RESULTS: Of 2,922 patients with pelvic fractures, only 183 (6%) required angiography for suspected bleeding. For OR-ANGIO (n = 49) versus ANGIO (n = 134), injury severity score was similar (40 ± 15 vs. 35 ± 16), but systolic blood pressure (97 ± 28 vs. 108 ± 32 mmHg, p = 0.038) and base excess were both lower (-9 ± 5 vs. -5 ± 5 mEq/L, p < 0.001). During initial resuscitation and in the first 24 hours, crystalloid, blood product usage and total fluid requirements were all increased 50% to 100% (all p < 0.001). Despite these differences, lengths of stay (32 ± 32 vs. 26 ± 28 days) and mortality (33% vs. 31%) were similar. The same trends in fluid requirements remained in the subset of patients with unstable pelvic fractures, with an increased mortality (67% vs. 20%, p = 0.011) in those requiring ANGIO-OR versus OR-ANGIO. CONCLUSION: These data support current management algorithms. In hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with pelvic fractures, those who proceeded immediately to the OR to address intraabdominal bleeding tended to be sicker but had outcomes that were the same or better compared with those who received angiography to address pelvic bleeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective review.

Angiographic embolisation of pelvic ring injuries. Treatment algorithm and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between pelvic fracture patterns and the angiographic findings, and to assess the effectiveness of the embolisation. METHODS: This retrospective study, included patients with pelvic fractures and angiographic evaluation. Demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), associated injuries, embolisation time, blood units needed, method of treatment and complications were recorded and analysed. Fractures were classified according to the Burgess system. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2008, 34 patients with pelvic fractures underwent angiographic investigation. Twenty six were males. The mean age was 41 years. Twenty-seven were motor vehicle accidents and seven were falls. There were 11 anterior posterior (APC) fractures, 12 lateral compression (LC), eight vertical shear (VS) patterns and three with combined mechanical injuries. The median ISS was 33.1 (range 5-66). From the 34 who underwent angiography, 29 had positive vascular extravasations. From them, 21 had embolisation alone, two had vascular repair and embolisation, five required vascular repair alone and one patient died while being prepared for embolisation. Five cases were re-embolised. The findings suggested that AP fractures have a higher tendency to bleeding compared with LC fractures. Both had a higher chance of blood loss compared to VS and complex fracture patterns. We reported 57 additional injuries and 65 fractures. The complications were: one non lethal pulmonary embolism, one renal failure, one liver failure, one systemic infection, two deep infections and two psychological disorientations. Seven patients died in hospital. CONCLUSION: Control of pelvic fracture bleeding is based on the multidisciplinary approach mainly related to hospital facilities and medical personnel's awareness. The morphology of the fracture did not have a predictive value of the vascular lesion and the respective bleeding.