Direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing versus pelvic angiography: A comparison of two management protocols for haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of haemodynamically unstable cases of pelvic ring injury treated with a protocol focused on either direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing or early pelvic angiography and embolisation.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively collected database in an academic level I trauma centre, treating matched haemodynamically unstable cases of pelvic fracture with either pelvic packing (PACK group, n = 20) or early pelvic angiography (ANGIO group, n = 20). Physiological markers of haemorrhage, time to intervention, transfusion requirements, complications and early mortality were recorded.ResultsThe PACK group underwent operative packing at a median of 45 min from admission; the median time to angiography in the ANGIO group was 130 min. The PACK group, but not the ANGIO group, demonstrated a significant decrease in blood transfusions over the next 24 h post intervention. In the ANGIO group, ten people required embolisation and six died, two from acute haemorrhage; in the PACK group, three people required embolisation; four died, none due to uncontrolled haemorrhage.ConclusionsPelvic packing is as effective as pelvic angiography for stabilising haemodynamically unstable casualties with pelvic fractures, decreases need for pelvic embolisation and post-procedure blood transfusions, and may reduce early mortality due to exsanguination from pelvic haemorrhage.