Question of the Week: June 11, 2012

Question: Approximately how much blood loss can be expected from the following fractures: Tibia, femur, pelvis? 

Answer: According to PHTLS, a tibia fracture may cause approximately 500–100 ml, a femur fracture 1,000–2,000 ml, and a pelvic fracture 1,000 ml– massive bleeding.