Clinical and epidemiological features of pelvic fractures presenting to the emergency department in a tertiary health care hospital in south India: A retrospective study

Objective: To determine the clinical and epidemiological features of pelvic fracture patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center in south India. Causes of injury, types of pelvic fractures, the associated injuries, and outcome at the time of discharge were recorded. Results: A total of 140 patients were included in this study. Most patients were classified as type A (n=62), followed by type B (n=48) and type C (n=30). A total of 112 patients were injured due to road traffic accidents, followed by a fall from a height (n=23) and a fall from a heavy object (n=5). Most subjects had facial injuries (n=99, 70.7%), followed by head injuries (n=51, 36.4%). Five percent of the patients were expired, 12% left against medical advice, and 83% were discharged. Conclusions: The incidence of pelvic fractures presenting to the Emergency Department is relatively high in India. Road traffic accidents are the primary cause of pelvic fractures and associated facial and head injuries. The outcomes demonstrate the need for improved prevention strategies and comprehensive management protocols to reduce mortality.