Three-in-one protocol for the management of hemodynamically unstable paediatric pelvic fracture – a level one trauma centre 15 year review

Abstract

A three-in-one protocol comprised of pelvic external fixation, retroperitoneal pelvic packing, and angiography with or without embolization has been developed and used in our centre to improve survival outcomes of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures since 2008. Fourteen paediatric patients over a period of 15 years are reviewed in this case series. The mean age is 11.6 and standard deviation is 4.6. The mean injury severity score is 31.6. Sixty four percent underwent three-in-one protocol management. The overall survival rate at index hospital admission and at one year is 85.7% which is higher than the adult group (81%) from a study conducted at our centre and comparable to the rate in paediatric group. One patient had pelvic external fixator pin tract infection and two had lower limb ischemia post embolization. At 6 months follow up, one patient had pelvic pain and one had hip protrusio. We conclude that improvement in survival outcome also applies to the paediatric population. Technical differences in the paediatric group is highlighted to minimize potential complications.