[Fuel tanks of motorcycles. Role in severe trauma of the pelvis].
Between 1985 and June 1992, 8 subjects who sustained severe pelvic lesions as a result of motor cycle accidents were admitted and treated in our department. In 5 of these 8 patients the fuel tank of the motor cycle was one of the wounding agents. All 5 patients had unstable pelvic lesions. In addition, 4 had a subperitoneal haematoma which required multiple transfusions; 4 had perineal and/or genital lesions, and 1 had a ruptured membranous urethra. A national epidemiological study would be useful to evaluate the frequency of these particular injuries and draw lessons that would lead to better safety of motor cyclists.