A rational approach to pelvic trauma. Resuscitation and early definitive stabilization.

The patient with polytrauma and an unstable pelvic ring injury is a treatment challenge. The orthopaedic surgeon should be involved in the care when the patient is brought into the hospital. Rapid pelvic ring stability should diminish pelvic hemorrhage. Early treatment decisions have significant impact on subsequent options. A team approach using open communication among the various subspecialties allows coordinated care and optimizes outcome. Early, definitive pelvic internal fixation is difficult yet beneficial.