Pelvic and Extremity Trauma

Pelvic and extremity trauma is the result of penetrating and/or blunt injury which may result in hemorrhage or ischemia. Both scenarios can result in limb loss and potentially fatal outcomes. Initial resuscitative management of these patients is based on control of bleeding and restoration of flow to the distal extremity. Traditionally, this has been managed by surgical exploration. More recently, endovascular techniques may allow for these patients to be managed percutaneously. In the case of bleeding, transcatheter embolization is a safe and effective method for the control of ongoing hemorrhage in pelvic and extremity trauma. In the case of ischemia, injuries such as arterial dissections can be managed with percutaneous stenting to restore flow to the distal aspect of the extremity.