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Erschienen in:
01.05.2009 | Original Article
The need for multi-disciplinary management of combined orthopaedic and genito-urinary injuries
Erschienen in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Ausgabe 4/2009
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Introduction
Combined pelvic ring disruptions and genito-urinary injuries can be potentially devastating. An array of debilitating and lifelong complications can result from such injuries. Early and expert management of patients presenting with these injuries is therefore imperative to minimise the risk of complications developing.
Materials and methods
We present the case histories of six patients referred to the trauma-orthopaedic service in our institution over a six-month period. Each had a combination of bony pelvic and genito-urinary injuries. One patient presented primarily to the reporting hospital, the other five were tertiary referrals.
Results
Four patients were admitted under the combined care of the trauma-orthopaedic team and the genito-urinary team in our institution within 24 h of their injuries. All of these patients had their primary orthopaedic and genito-urinary injuries addressed or fixed at or within 9 days. The other two patients experienced significant delays in their transfer. In the former group, three went on to enjoy largely uneventful recoveries with no long-term sequelae. Both patients in the latter category endured difficult and complicated recoveries.
Discussion
This paper illustrates the complicated nature of injuries in these patients and highlights the importance of early and adequate diagnosis and treatment. A multi-disciplinary approach in a suitable centre of expertise should be adopted for the care of patients with fractures of the pelvic ring and genito-urinary injuries.