ABSTRACT
Presently, few studies have specifically evaluated the psychological impact of pelvic
fractures in an adult population. However, studies have indicated that psychological dis-
tress following pelvic fracture is a significant issue in the pediatric population (4,5).
Subasi et al. (4) examined 58 children who experienced unstable pelvic fractures and
assessed urologic outcomes as well as psychiatric data. To assess psychiatric status,
both the parents and children were interviewed by a psychiatric specialist. Fifty-six
percent (31) of the children were found to have a psychiatric disorder, five of whom
had two diagnoses and three of whom had three diagnoses. The diagnoses included dys-
thymic disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression,
and specific phobia. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was significantly higher
than the normal population. Similar results were found in 49 children who sustained a
posterior urethral rupture secondary to pelvic fracture. Twenty-one (42.9%) of the chil-
dren developed a psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder, social phobia,
PTSD, separation anxiety, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. The
development of a psychiatric disorder was significantly associated with number of
urologic procedures, long-term complications, and total number of hospitalizations
consequent to the injury.
