Update on trauma care in Canada. 3. Pelvic ring fractures.

Correct assessment and treatment of pelvic ring fractures in the multiply injured patient is important because it can result in fewer deaths and less long-term disability. There is ample evidence to show that surgical stabilization of unstable pelvic ring fractures is a life-saving intervention that should be done on the day of injury. Anterior frame external fixation is the standard form of treatment and is life-saving. However, it is not ideal biomechanically, and over the next decade open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic ring fractures will likely become the treatment of choice.