Intricacies of crush pelvic injuries; a prospective study of 9 cases managed in a Central African sub regional referral hospital

Abstract

Crush injuries to the pelvis are life-threatening with risk of rapid exsanguination and death. The resultant organ injuries are usually complex, fatal and somewhat challenging to treat. This study aimed at reporting the outcomes of 9 cases of crush pelvic injuries managed at the Douala General Hospital and highlight the intricacies and the importance of a well-established functional multidisciplinary trauma team to manage such complex injuries in a setting with limited resources. This was a prospective analysis of cases of crush pelvic injuries conducted from January 2023 to November 2025 at the Douala General Hospital . A total of 9 patients (6 males and 3 females) aged 23 to 53 years were included in the study. All the cases were unstable open pelvic fractures due to violent injury mecahnisms. Urogenital and anal injuries were the most common lesions. Concomitant injuries to other parts were observed in all the cases. A multidisciplinary trauma team was involved in the early and definitive treatment of all the patients. Three patients died during hospitalization, and those who survived had sequelae and poor functional Majeed scores. Crush injury to the pelvis causes complex damage to pelvic organs and massive hemorrhage. Concomitant injuries to other body parts are common and increase the mortality and morbidity. Rapid management by a multidisciplinary trauma team is the hallmark of care.