• J Lindahl, L Handolin, T Söderlund, M Porras, and E Hirvensalo.
• Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, 00260 Helsinki, Finland.
• Eur J Trauma Emerg S. 2013 Feb 1; 39 (1): 57-63.

PurposeThe control of arterial bleeding associated with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures (PRAF) remains a challenge for emergency trauma care. The aim of the present study was to uncover early prognostic mortality-related factors in PRAF-related arterial bleedings treated with transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE).MethodsForty-nine PRAF patients (46 pelvic ring and three acetabular fractures) with arterial pelvic bleeding controlled with TAE (within 24 h) were evaluated.ResultsAll large arterial disruptions (n = 7) were seen in type C pelvic ring injuries. The 30-day mortality in large vessel (iliac artery) bleeding was higher (57 %) than in medium- or small-size artery bleeding (24 %). Overall 30-day mortality was 29 %. No statistically significant difference in the first laboratory values between the survivors and nonsurvivors was found. However, after excluding patients dying of head injuries (n = 5), a reasonable cut-off value was identified for the base excess (BE; lower than -10 mmol/l) obtained on admission.ConclusionsPRAF patients with exsanguinating bleeding from the large pelvic artery have the worst prognosis. Very low BE values (<-10.0 mmol/l) on admission for exsanguinating patients have a negative predictive value for survival, thus anticipating a poor outcome in bleeding controlled with TAE only and an increased risk of death. In critical cases, an aggressive bleeding control protocol prompts extraperitoneal pelvic packing prior to TAE. PRAF-related rupture of the external iliac artery is rare and indicates surgical techniques in controlling and restoring blood supply to the lower leg.

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