Mortality after pelvic fractures in the elderly

Abstract

Theoretically, fissures and minor fractures of the pelvis sustained by the elderly after low-energy trauma may lead to thromboembolic complications. Few studies exist, but clinically, these injuries had been considered to have an excellent prognosis until a recent study reported a 10% fatality rate from pulmonary emboli in this group of patients(9). We retrospectively studied the outcome among 62 patients over the age of 60 years with minor pelvic fractures who were treated during a 4-year period. Pulmonary embolus was verified in only one patient, who survived. There was no clinical indication that thromboembolic complications were the cause of death among the 5% who died during the first month after admission. Prophylactic anticoagulation seems to be unwarranted among elderly patients with minor pelvic fractures.