🦴 Pelvic Fracture Classification (Young-Burgess)
This tool classifies pelvic fractures by the Young-Burgess system (APC/LC/VS/CM), which links injury mechanism to pelvic-ring stability and bleeding risk.
Pelvic Fracture Classification (Young-Burgess)
Young-Burgess type
When to use
Use in pelvic trauma to recognize the fracture pattern and anticipate hemorrhage — distinguishing mechanically stable patterns (LC-I, APC-I) from unstable ones that may need aggressive hemorrhage control.
How it works
Mechanism-based pattern → stability + bleeding risk. APC-III, VS, and CM are completely unstable with the highest bleeding/transfusion need and mortality; LC-I and APC-I are mechanically stable.
Key points
- Management is hemodynamics-first: unstable patterns with instability proceed through binder → massive transfusion → embolization/packing → fixation, with REBOA when needed. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- Open-book (APC) injuries widen pelvic volume and predict venous/arterial bleeding; lateral-compression (LC) injuries are often associated with other injuries.
- The Young-Burgess pattern complements the WSES pelvic trauma grading, which emphasizes vascular-injury severity.
References
- Burgess AR, et al. Pelvic ring disruptions: effective classification system and treatment protocols. J Trauma 1990.
- Coccolini F, et al. Pelvic trauma: WSES classification and guidelines. World J Emerg Surg 2017.
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.