Background: We analyzed the clinical progression of trauma patients with pelvic bone fractures so to determine the risk factors associated with sustaining concurrent abdominal solid organ injuries.
Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review. Subjects were categorized based on injury type: solid organ versus non-solid organ injury groups. These study groups were compared based on demographics, treatments, and clinical outcomes. Potential risk factors that may contribute to the occurrence of abdominal solid organ injury in trauma patients with pelvic bone fractures were evaluated.
Results: The solid organ injury group included 17.4% of all the patients in the study (n=69). Fall from height occurred at greater distances in patients that sustained solid organ injuries as opposed to patients with non-solid organ injuries. Initial blood pressure and Revised Trauma Scores were lower in the solid organ injury group. Shock diagnosed immediately upon emergency department arrival was a risk factor for intra-abdominal solid organ injuries in trauma patients with pelvic bone fractures. Clinical prognosis for patients in the solid organ injury group was poorer and more invasive treatments were performed for patients in this group.
Conclusion: Traumatic pelvic fracture patient prognosis needs to be improved through early diagnosis and prompt delivery of aggressive treatments based on rapid identification of abdominal solid organ injuries.