2. Pelvic Fractures: Epidemiology
Majority due to high impact blunt trauma
(MVA, pedestrian vs. vehicle etc.) but also
secondary to falls in frail elderly
Mortality overall = 10%
Mortality 50% if open #
3. Pelvic Anatomy
Pelvis = sacrum, coccyx
+ 2 innominate bones
Innominate bones =
ilium, ischium, pubis
Sacrum + innominate
bones form a ring
Strength from
ligamentous supports
(largely posterior aspect
of ring)
5. Anterior Support:
– Symphysis pubis
Fibrocartilaginous joint
covered by ant & post
symphyseal ligaments
– Pubic rami
Posterior Support:
– ~majority of stability
Iliolumbar ligaments
Sacroiliac ligaments
Sacrospinous ligament
Sacrotuberous ligament
6. Vascular Anatomy
Vessels lie close
to posterior
pelvic walls
Venous bleeding
most common
(sacral plexus)
Most commonly
injured arteries
are superior
gluteal and
internal pudendal
7. Pelvic Anatomy
Nerve supply through the pelvis derived
from lumbar and sacral plexuses
Other structures: lower GI/GU
8.
9. Imaging – X- rays
X Rays Pelvis AP – part of ATLS protocol
10. Imaging – X- rays
AP VIEW:
-Identifies most fractures
-Look for disruption in iliopubic and ilioischial lines,
sacral foramina, radiographic U, Shenton’s Lines
Inlet and outlet views
Judet Views
13. Imaging
Look for any evidence of damage to the
posterior pelvic structures
– Clues on X-rays:
L5 transverse process avulsion (iliolumbar
ligament)
Ischial spine avulsion (sacrospinous ligament)
Unable to clearly make out sacral foramina
Assymmetry of sacral foramina
Avulsion at lower lip of lateral sacrum
(sacrotuberous ligament)
14. Inlet view
– X-ray beam at 40o to
plate directed towards
feet
Sacral Promontry
should overlap
anterior border of S1
22. Attention
Stationary pelvic radiogram do not reflect true pathology
Apparently stable patient should undergo Examination
under anaesthesia
Push Pull film under anaesthesia
> 1cm is unstable
Contraindicated – Zone 2/3 sacral fracture
Haemodynamically unstable
28. Pelvic Ring Fractures
Young Classification System:
Differentiates fracture patterns based on
mechanism of injury/direction of causative
force
3 major fracture patterns:
1. lateral compression (50%)
2. antero-posterior compression (25%)
3. vertical shear (5%)
42. Summary
Classification system - - Assist surgeon in
determining treatment and prognosis
Young & Burgess –
- Fluid resuscitation reqd
- Solid organ injury
Need for acute stabilization
Pt. survival
APC type 3 & VS
injury – highest
transfusion reqd.