Pelvic fractures were classified using the method of Pennel and Sutherland:
(1) Type I (anterioposterior compression)
(2) Type II (lateral compression)
(3) Type III (vertical shear)
Pelvic fractures were defined as being unstable if:at least one of the following is present:
(1) any bone displacement > 0.5 cm
(2) an open book fracture (Type I fracture with disruption of the pubic symphysis)
If a pelvic fracture was defined as stable if neither condition was present.
A patient with an unstable pelvic fracture is more likely to have:
(1) blood loss >= 4 units (60% vs 20% if stable fracture)
(2) intra-abdominal injury (45% vs 14%)
(3) arterial injury (11% vs 0%)
Some classifications of pelvic fractures such as the Tile method require multiple different radiographic views, CT scan or MRI which may not be immediately available. In addition, a complete classification is more important for an orthopedic reconstruction rather than the immediate patient management when exsanguination and stabilization are major concerns.
