Emergency department evaluation and treatment of pelvic fractures.

Pelvic fractures are associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This article reviews the anatomy of the pelvis, discusses fracture patterns commonly seen in patients with an injured pelvis, and proposes a new method of classifying pelvic fractures based on potential associated injuries. Finally, algorithms for the management of hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with pelvic fractures are presented.