Open Pelvic Fractures

Abstract

An open pelvic fracture represents one of the most significant insults to the human frame.

Anatomically, the skeleton apart, many soft-tissue structures will be damaged requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The management of an open fracture challenges any health care system. This article in no way attempts to provide an ultimate management protocol for such injuries—how patients are managed will depend on the trauma system both locally and nationally. However, certain principles must be observed and a management protocol can be developed for each institution.

The essence of ideal treatment of such injuries is urgent transportation to an appropriate institution, rapid resuscitation and assessment with the involvement of senior specialists from a wide spectrum of specialities.