Vascular and adjacent soft tissue injuries associated with fractures of the pelvis

One hundred fifty-one patients with fractures of the pelvis and associated injuries have been reviewed. Patients who have these injuries are likely to have uncontrollable, fatal hemorrhage. Of this group, nine died, 11 had exploratory laparotomies, ten had bladder injuries, and two had rectal damage. Blood gas determinations, arterial catheterization, and pulmonary wedge pressure determinations are valuable in making and early diagnosis of pathologic changes resulting from internal hemorrhage.