In addition, trauma to extra-pelvic organs is common. Pelvic fractures are often associated with severe hemorrhage due to the extensive blood supply to the region. The veins of the presacral pelvic plexus are particularly vulnerable. Greater than 85 percent of bleeding due to pelvic fractures is venous or from the open surfaces of the bone. Diagnosis
If a person is fully awake and has no pain in the pelvis, medical imaging of the pelvis is not needed. Classification
Pelvic fractures are most commonly described using one of two classification systems. The different forces on the pelvis result in different fractures. Sometimes they are determined based on stability or instability. Tile classification
The Tile classification system is based on the integrity of the posterior sacroiliac complex.In type A injuries, the sacroiliac complex is intact. The pelvic ring has a stable fracture that can be managed nonoperatively. Type B injuries are caused by either external or internal rotational forces resulting in partial disruption of the posterior sacroiliac complex. These are often unstable. Type C injuries are characterized by complete disruption of the posterior sacroiliac complex and are both rotationally and vertically unstable. These injuries are the result of great force, usually from a motor vehicle crash, fall from a height or severe compression. Young-Burgess classification
The Young-Burgess classification system is based on mechanism of injury: anteroposterior compression type I, II and III, lateral
compression types I, II and III, and vertical shear, or a combination of forces.
Once the fracture has healed enough, rehabilitation can be started with first standing upright with the help of a physical therapist, followed by starting to walk using a walker and eventually progressing to a cane. Prognosis
Mortality rates in people with pelvic fractures are between 10 and 16 percent. However, death is typically due to associated trauma affecting other organs, such as the brain. Death rates due to complications directly related to pelvic fractures, such as bleeding, are relatively low. Epidemiology
About 10 percent of people that seek treatment at a level 1 trauma center after a blunt force injury have a pelvic fracture. Motorcycle injuries are the most common cause of pelvic fractures, followed by injuries to pedestrians caused by motor vehicles, large falls (over 15 feet), and motor vehicle crashes. See also
Bulbar urethral necrosis
Coopernail sign

References
External links

Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics: Pelvic fractures