OBJECTIVETo explore the causes of delayed diagnosis of the vertical unstable pelvic fractures in patients with multiple trauma so in order to minimize these incidence.

METHODSA retrospective study was conducted in 176 patients with the vertical unstable pelvic fractures from January 2003 to December 2008. The classification of vertical unstable pelvic fractures was recorded. Medical data were compared and statistically analyzed to identify the incidence, and the contributing factors of the delayed diagnosis of the vertical unstable pelvic fractures. Of the 176 patients, 46 (26.1%) had delayed diagnosis of the vertical unstable pelvic fractures. There were 29 males and 17 females with an average age of 34 years old.

RESULTSOf the factors contributing to 46 cases of delayed diagnosis, 41.3% (19/46) closely related to the evaluation by the doctors and were potentially avoidable, and 58.7% (27/46) were associated with the severity of the injuries.

CONCLUSIONThe patients with multiple trauma had high incidence of delayed diagnosis of the vertical unstable pelvic fractures. The recognition of pelvic fractures, careful clinical assessments, and the awareness of the orthopedic doctors, emergency doctors and ICU doctors. Most of the delayed diagnosis of the vertical unstable pelvic fractures in patients with multiple trauma are potentially avoidable.