Treatment of pelvic fractures and associated dislocations.

Fractures of the pelvis result in high morbidity and mortality as a result of uncontrolled hemorrhage and associated soft tissue damage. Early reduction and fixation of these fractures has been shown to result in control of hemorrhage, decreased morbidity and mortality, and improved function. Seventeen pelvic fractures, so treated, are reported. Despite a high complication rate of almost 75%, surgical fixation resulted in rapid control of hemorrhage, restoration of hip joint congruity, early mobilization of the patient, and decreased incidence of decubitus ulcers, bronchopneumonia, thrombophlebitis, and urinary tract infection.