Pelvic Fractures

Kim Wallenstein, Jessica Naiditch, MD, Shannon W Longshore, MD, Lauren Arthur, MD, Christopher W. Marenco, MD

Introduction

Although pediatric pelvic fractures are rare they are an important marker of injury severity. Compared to adults, the pediatric pelvis has more cartilage, thicker periosteum, is more elastic and absorbs more force without fracturing [1][2]. Pelvic fractures are high energy injuries and are associated with a higher morbidity and mortality than other orthopedic injuries [3]. The average mortality of pediatric pelvic fractures is 6.4% [1][2]. Its presence should prompt an evaluation for associated injuries; the majority of patients with pelvic fractures will have an average of 5.2 associated injuries [1]. Interestingly, the hemorrhage that occurs in the skeletally immature childhood pelvic fracture patient is rarely associated with pelvic hematoma. Bleeding is more commonly from solid organ injuries associated with the mechanism of injury [4].

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: January 20, 2022