• Jennifer P Y Chia, Andrew J A Holland, David Little, and Daniel T Cass.
• Department of Academic Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia.
• J Trauma. 2004 Jan 1;56(1):83-8.

BackgroundPelvic fractures occur uncommonly in children. Despite serious sequelae, they have been infrequently reviewed.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of admissions to our institution from January 1983 to December 2000.ResultsOne hundred twenty children with pelvic fractures were identified. Median age was 9 years (range, 1-16 years) and 66% (n = 80) were boys. Pedestrian-motor vehicle injury accounted for 68% (n = 82) of cases. Associated injuries were present in 78% (n = 94). Management of the pelvic fracture was nonoperative in 113 (94%). Thirty-two children (27%) required surgery for associated injuries. Complications during admission occurred in 28% (n = 34). Five children died as a result of their injuries. With a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 7-156 months), 27% (n = 32) of children suffered an adverse outcome, including neurologic dysfunction and leg-length discrepancies.ConclusionThe majority of pelvic fractures in children may be satisfactorily treated nonoperatively. Operative interventions were more frequently required for associated injuries. Long-term review is indicated because of delayed complications in children that are continuing to grow and develop.

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