Pelvic Ring Fracture Management and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Summary of Current Literature

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of pelvic ring injuries is 34.3% per 100,000 capita. No studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. However, many obstetricians are generally unwilling to have their patients attempt a vaginal delivery in the setting of symphyseal or sacroiliac fixation. Methods: An exhaustive search of the National Library of Medicine database was performed, and it is hypothesized that cesarean section rates would be higher for women who have a child after one of these pelvic ring injuries. Results: There is a 15% increase in cesarean rates using data from the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, there is an observable increase in new cesarean rates. Discussion: Currently, there is no clear evidence to support an elective cesarean section as the sole indication after a prior pelvic fracture. To date, no studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. Conclusion: Thus, until the increased cesarean section rate has been explained, it could be problematic to counsel the patient to avoid a vaginal delivery after sustaining a pelvic ring fracture. Hence, conducting additional studies on this topic would deem to be necessary.