Pelvic Ring Fracture Management and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Summary of Current Literature.

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of pelvic ring injuries is 34.3% per 100,000 capita. No studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. However, many obstetricians are generally unwilling to have their patients attempt a vaginal delivery in the setting of symphyseal or sacroiliac fixation.

METHODS

An exhaustive search of the National Library of Medicine database was performed, and it is hypothesized that cesarean section rates would be higher for women who have a child after one of these pelvic ring injuries.

RESULTS

There is a 15% increase in cesarean rates using data from the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, there is an observable increase in new cesarean rates.

DISCUSSION: Currently, there is no clear evidence to support an elective cesarean section as the sole indication after a prior pelvic fracture. To date, no studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation.

CONCLUSION

Thus, until the increased cesarean section rate has been explained, it could be problematic to counsel the patient to avoid a vaginal delivery after sustaining a pelvic ring fracture. Hence, conducting additional studies on this topic would deem to be necessary.