Modified classification and repair of perineal soft tissue injuries associated with open pelvic fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study describes a modified classification and management protocol for perineal soft tissue injuries associated with pelvic fractures.

METHODS: A total of 11 patients with perineal soft tissue injuries associated with open pelvic fractures were studied retrospectively. The patients were classified into three types based on the area of defect: type A (urogenital zone), type B (anal zone), and type C (both urogenital and anal zones). Each type included the following subclasses: A1 (without urethra injuries), A2 (with urethra injuries), B1 (without anorectal injuries), B2 (with anorectal injuries), C1 (with types A1 and B1), C2 (with types A2 and B1), C3 (with types A1 and B2), and C4 (with types A2 and B2). The management protocol was planned according to the individual classifications. Protocol A1 (for type A1) involved skin graft or myocutaneous flap transplantation. Protocol A2 (for type A2) involved the same protocol combined with urine diversion. Protocol B1 (for type B1) involved skin graft or myocutaneous flap transplantation. Protocol B2 (for type B2) involved the same management combined with fecal diversion. Protocol C involved the correspondent protocol used for each subtype of type C.

RESULTS: Out of the 11 patients, there were 5, 3, and 3 cases of types A, B, and C, respectively. One patient died due to sepsis, and the wounds of the remaining patients healed well. No anal incontinence had occurred.

CONCLUSIONS: Perineal soft tissue injuries associated with pelvic fractures can be classified into three types, and the management protocol can be planned according to the classification.