Backgound: Pelvic ring fractures associated with vaginal injuries were rarely reported due to low incidence. We hope a retrospective study containing a relatively large number of patients would help improve clinical outcome.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 25 patients with pelvic fractures associated with vaginal injury treated at our institution. The records of these patients were collected and 24 patients were followed-up for 10-36 months.
Results: All patients suffered anterior pelvic ring fracture. Disruption of anterior ring and Young-Burgess classification of bony fracture seemed to be related to severity vaginal injury. Gauze packing was done in 6 patients and 18 patients received surgical repair. Infection occurred in 6 patients among them 4 were due to delayed diagnosis. Factors associated with pelvic outcome were age, urethral injury, fixation strategy, infection and accuracy of reduction. Four patients suffered pain in sexual intercourse but no influence factor found correlated to sexual function due to small case series.
Conclusion: From our data, pelvic fractures caused by vertical shear forces and compromise pubic symphysis showed higher severity of vaginal injury. Age, associated urethral injury, fixation strategy and infection are prognostic factors of pelvic result. Significant relationship was shown between radiological and clinical outcomes. A thorough vaginal examination should be performed in female patients with pelvic fractures especially those with disruption of anterior pelvic ring to avoid missed diagnosis of vaginal laceration.
Key words: Pelvic fracture, Vaginal injury, Clinical outcome