Neurologic deficits in major pelvic injuries.

Abstract

Nerve injury is a common complication of major pelvic injuries. Of 73 patients examined who suffered major pelvic injuries, 24 (33%) had resultant neurologic deficits. The extent of nerve injury is proportionate to the severity of the posterior pelvic bone injury. Sacroiliac dislocation and sacral fractures may be equally complicated by nerve injury. This study suggests that nerve recovery starts three months after injury and stops after two years. Complete recovery was not recorded in severe nerve injuries. Eighty percent of patients recovered from impotence. Nerve injury was found to affect the functional outcome of patients with pelvic injuries. For these reasons, injury should be considered and looked for in every case of pelvic injury.