Where does Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Treatment fit into the Newly Proposed Major Trauma Model in Ireland?

Aim To provide the most up to date reference of referral patterns for pelvis and acetabular (PA) fractures in Ireland and discuss where services should ideally be located. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all referrals to the national referral centre for PA fractures in Ireland for 2016 and 2017. Results Over the two-year study period 456 referrals were made. Mean age of patients was 53 years, 62.9% were male. Management was conservative in 60.7%, operative in 38.2% while 1.1% died prior to transfer. Nearly half of fractures (47.8%) were due to falls with 38.6% due to road trauma. Referrals from the proposed central trauma network accounted for 76.1% of referrals. Median length of stay was 7 days. Average cost of operative treatment was €11,774. Conclusions PA trauma is associated with significant morbidity and costs to both patients and society. Consideration needs to be given to where best to place PA services to ensure the highest quality care in this cohort of patients