Pelvic Fractures For Postgraduate Orthopaedic Exams

Description

This session of the FRCS Mentors features Mr. Paul Harnett, a consultant at King's College Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, discussing pelvic and acetabular trauma with a focus on preparing for the FRCS exam. Throughout the presentation, Mr. Harnett shares insights from his extensive experience managing around 500 pelvic cases, composed of roughly equal parts acetabular and pelvic ring injuries.



He emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences in fracture types and the implications for treatment, particularly highlighting the acute responsibilities of a day-one consultant in addressing such trauma. Key concepts include the classification of fractures, evaluating the stability of injuries, and appropriate surgical approaches while ensuring safe patient management during traumatic situations. He discusses the nuances of interpreting imaging—such as X-rays and CT scans—and shares clinical anecdotes, including the significance of addressing vascular and nerve damage associated with these fractures.



The discussion also covers necessary techniques and tips for effective resuscitation and preparation for surgical intervention, underlining the practicalities of assessing and operating on trauma patients in a general hospital setting. The session concludes with a case study, allowing Mr. Harnett to illustrate practical applications of the discussed principles and to answer questions from participants.

Specialties