[Injuries of the pelvis and retroperitoneal organs]

Abstract

About 50% of all patients with pelvic fractures present with associated injuries. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines follow the step-by-step regimen used in polytraumatized patients. Whereas lifesaving emergency operations are rarely necessary, most associated injuries are operated on after completion of the first diagnostic phase in order to preserve organ function. Injuries of the pancreaticoduodenal system and ruptures of the digestive tract are particularly difficult to diagnose. Stabilization of pelvic fractures will take place in the phase of delayed reconstruction, usually several days after the accident.