Organization, achievement and results of a pelvis surgery center.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic fractures are not frequent, yet severe injuries, often associated to other lesions. Well defined diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are lacking, and their economical assessment is inadequate. The goal of this study is to propose the organization of a multidisciplinary center that can develop diagnosis, treatment, and follow up protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients were treated from August 2008 to July 2010, 5 women and 20 men, average age 34.5 years. Twenty patients had acetabular fractures (8 posterior wall fractures, 2 anterior column fractures and 10 mixed fractures, Judet and Letournel). Five patients suffered from diastasis symphisis pubis (three patients with a CAP type I, and 2 with a CAP type II, Young-Burgess).

RESULTS: Average delay between trauma and operation was 15.6 days. Average hospital stay after surgery was 45 days. Five had excellent results, 15 were good, and 4 presented poor results. One patient deceased. Four patients underwent hip arthroplasty 1 year after surgery.

DISCUSSION: It was essential to identify the collaborating units. The center aims at a uniform and rapid treatment for patients with lesions which are treated differently depending on the department of hospitalization and on the surgeon's experience. The target is to avoid treatment delays, costs and complications. The DRG evaluation grants the highest value to pelvis surgery. This should be followed by dedicated structures that can become reference centers.

CONCLUSION: The results can be improved, but considering this is not well known context both clinically and economically, they can be seen positively.