Internal fixation of open unstable pelvic fractures

From 1980 through 1990 14 patients with severely complicated unstable fractures of the pelvis were treated. There were 13 men and one woman (mean age, 28 years). Eight fractures also involved the acetabulum. The injuries were accompanied by anorectal (nine), urogenital (eight), vascular (three), and nerve (three) injuries. After resuscitation, fractures were stabilized immediately, preferably using internal fixation, notwithstanding fecal contamination in certain cases. Anorectal ruptures were treated with lavage of the distal colon and a divergent stoma. The urogenital lesions also were treated primarily. Two patients died early after treatment of accompanying injuries. Infectious complications were seen seven times. In one patient internal fixation broke down. All fractures healed with good functional results. At last follow-up examination all patients were continent for feces. It is concluded that early internal stabilization of these complex injuries achieves a low mortality rate and good functional results. Immediate repair of urogenital and sphincter lesions, with concomitant divergent stoma and lavage of the distal colon, gives good results notwithstanding the risk of infectious complications.