The bony pelvis of an adult has a ring-shaped structure. It consists of these bone parts:
In the event of a pelvic injury, this ring may be interrupted at one or more points. If the pelvic ring is broken several times, especially the posterior pelvic ring, it is an unstable pelvic fracture.
Unstable pelvic injuries are often the result of high-impact trauma. They are often associated with other injuries. Due to the severity of the injuries and the resulting blood loss , they can be life-threatening.
Multiple fixed pelvic fractures in an X-ray © Artem | AdobeStock
The primary treatment of unstable pelvic injuries involves rapid pelvic stabilization in order to improve the overall situation. Pelvic stabilization is predominantly performed with an external fixator or pelvic clamp. An external fixator is a rigid holding frame outside the body that fixes the bone parts for initial treatment.
Fast, structured action, good shock room management and a high level of expertise are necessary for successful treatment. This is why treatment is tied to centers with the appropriate infrastructure.
In addition to the restoration of a stable pelvic ring, the reconstruction of the broken hip joint is of great importance.
Both are carried out using the latest surgical techniques, such as
In some cases, the procedure can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques. This means that no long incisions are necessary. This allows the patient to recover more quickly from the surgical procedure and allows early rehabilitation.
Due to the complex pelvic geometry and the importance for load transfer, acetabular and pelvic ring fractures should be treated in designated centers if possible.
Modern techniques and treatment concepts have further improved the prospects of recovery from pelvic injuries. However, the prognosis still depends on the severity of the injury.
Close and long-term outpatient care is essential for aftercare.
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