Management of open pelvic fracture in a resource poor setting: a case report.

Abstract

Fractures of the pelvis account for less than 5% of  skeletal  injuries. Open pelvic fractures are rare, comprising approximately 4% of pelvic fractures. They are caused by significant external trauma with the force usually affecting multiple anatomical sites on the patients body. It has high morbidity and mortality rates of up to 44 -50% where there  are unstable pelvic injuries in association with rectal lacerations. Early, aggressive and  coordinated   multidisciplinary  management   is  usually necessary to reduce  morbidity  and  mortality. There are few reports in the  literature on how this potentially devastating injury can be managed in the developing world where resources are limited.

Key words: Acute management, open pelvic fracture, developing world, challenges.