1. Pelvic Trauma Radiology
November 2001

2. Classification stable vs. unstable breaks in the ring
posterior arch vs. anterior arch OR both
single bone without break of ring
acetabular
mechanism – LC, AP, VS

3. Stable low speed mechanisms falls from low height athletic injuries
most common – pubic ramus/body
Other – transverse sacral, coccyx, apophyseal/avulsion injuries

4. Unstable involve both anterior and posterior arches mechanisms
high speed MVC’s or fall from height
lateral compression  transverse pubic rami #, iliac wing, sacrum
anterior compression  “open-book” injury, longitudinal rami #
vertical shearing forces
SI joint subluxation/dislocation, symphyseal diastasis

5. associated injuries
pelvis is boney ring – find one fracture, look for another
subluxation/dislocation SI jt or pubic symphysis
acetabulum/femoral head/joint fragments
pelvic contents
bladder/urethra, rectalsigmoid, vagina/uterus, vasculature, nerve

6. acetabular types associated with hip dislocation posterior
ilioischial column
transverse
iliopubic
associated with hip dislocation

7. avulsions ASIS – sartorius AIIS – rectus femoris
ischial tuberosity – hamstring (kicking)