Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unstable pelvic ring fractures are severe injuries with substantial mortality and a high burden of associated injuries. Advances in trauma care have improved outcomes. However, recent data from high-volume centers remain scarce. We aimed to evaluate mortality, associated injuries, and predictors of mortality in surgically treated unstable pelvic ring fractures.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 451 consecutive patients with surgically treated Tile B or C pelvic ring fractures admitted to a Level 1 trauma center between 2008 and 2021. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and associated injuries were recorded. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate survival, and Cox regression for identifying independent predictors of mortality.
RESULTS: Overall mortality at 3-month was 4.2% (95% CI 2.3-6.0) and at 1-year at 6.0% (95% CI 3.8-8.2). Tile C fractures had a higher early mortality than Tile B (3-month: 6.5% vs. 2.1%; 1-year: 7.4% vs. 4.7%). Associated injuries were common: 78% of patients had at least one and 66% had two or more injured regions. Patients with injuries in ≥2 regions had markedly higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission, transfusion requirements, and early mortality. In multivariable Cox regression, age (HR 1.06 per year), Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8 (HR 4.9), and Tile C (HR 3.6) were independently associated with 90-day mortality.
CONCLUSION: Mortality after surgically treated unstable pelvic ring fractures at 3- month and 1 year was 4.2% and 6.0%, respectively. Age, low GCS, and Tile C fracture pattern were independent predictors of early death. Associated injuries and overall trauma burden were strongly associated with ICU admission, transfusion, and early mortality.