Lower back or groin pain is the most common presentation in patients with pelvic fractures. In severe fractures, both anterior superior iliac spines may be compressed resulting in severe pain and indicating instability. Patients may not be able to walk because of the fracture.

Pelvic fractures also result in genitourinary or gynecological symptoms, such as scrotal or perineal hematoma, hematuria, blood at the urethral meatus, anuria, high-riding prostate, and vaginal bleeding. Intestinal or rectal injuries due to pelvic fractures include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and peritonitis.

Neurological features may also result from pelvic injuries including incontinence, urinary retention, weakness or loss of sensation in the lower limbs, affected reflexes in the rectum, perineum or the lower extremities.

Hemorrhagic shock may develop from pelvic fractures, which leads to high mortality rates. Unstable fractures also increase the risk of mortality.

The energy sustained by the patient may be measured indirectly depending on the resulting soft-tissue injuries. Intrapelvic hemorrhage is indicated by hematomas in the scrotum, labia, flank and inguinal region [9]. Several soft-tissue injuries may be observed, such as abrasions, lacerations, closed internal degloving, and open wounds [10]. Urethral disruption is suspected if there was external bleeding on the urethral meatus, perineal or genital swelling.

In males, a high-riding prostate may be detected by digital rectal exam, which also indicates urethral disruption [11]. Vascular injuries may occur as lacerations of venous structures [12]. The most common neurological injuries involve the L5 and S1 nerve roots [12] [13]. S2-S5 sacral nerve roots injuries may also occur, especially in cases where sacral fractures accompany pelvic ring injuries, which leads to sexual dysfunction, and bowel or bladder incontinence.

• Disability

  What it is not controversial and well known is that these injuries can result in significant morbidity in the long run--mainly strictures, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence--which can cause lifelong disability. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker [modernmedicine.com]

  If the socket of the hip joint has been damaged, people may be permanently disabled. When bleeding is severe enough to cause shock or when other organs are damaged, people may die. [msdmanuals.com]

• Pneumonia

  If the patient is confined to bed for a long time they are at increased risk of developing pneumonia. Your therapist should provide you with exercises to help prevent these complications. [livestrong.com]

  Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that may affect any patient who is confined to bed and cannot expand his or her lungs as fully as they normally do. [hss.edu]

  About 20% of 99 patients had complications including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, cardiac failure and side effects of analgesia. Mean duration of stay was 10 days (range 2–57), with 33% requiring increased level of care after discharge. [oapublishinglondon.com]

  There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the overall complication rate or the occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, or pneumonia. Annals of Surgery 2001;233:843-850 TABLE 3. [east.org]

• Nausea

  Grade C injuries often result in internal bleeding and so symptoms of shock such as nausea, light-headedness, a racing pulse, cold, clammy skin and loss of consciousness may occur. [sportsinjuryclinic.net]

• Fracture

  Home > 2015 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Codes > Injury And Poisoning 800-999 > Fracture Of Spine And Trunk 805-809 > Fracture of pelvis 808- > 808 Fracture of pelvis 808.0 Closed fracture of acetabulum convert 808.0 to ICD-10-CM 808.1 Open fracture of acetabulum [icd9data.com]

  A total of 65% of patients with stable pelvic fracture bled from associated lesions; 70% of patients with unstable fracture bled from the fracture itself. There is an interaction between the mechanism of action and type of fracture. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Practice Essentials Pelvic fracture is a disruption of the bony structures of the pelvis, including pelvic ring fractures, acetabular fractures, and avulsion fractures. [emedicine.com]

• Hip Pain

  The patient was complaining of left hip pain and hitting his head. The patient had fallen backward upon standing from a wheelchair, lost his balance, and suffered an occipital laceration with hematoma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms include limping and hip pain that progresses over time. [clinicaladvisor.com]

  Patients tend to present following trauma with pelvic/hip pain. They will often be immobilized by ambulance crews on arrival and potentially have other life-threatening conditions associated with high-energy trauma. [radiopaedia.org]

  A more serious fracture caused by a fall or other accident produces significant hip pain, swelling, and bruising. This type of fracture may prevent you from putting any weight on the affected hip. [nyulangone.org]

  The primary symptoms of a pelvic fracture besides pain include: Bruising of the abdomen Pain in the back Worsened pain with walking Difficulty walking Hip pain Leg pain Pelvic Swelling Bloody urine Dizziness Shock Fainting spells Incontinence Lower abdominal [autoaccident.com]

• Low Back Pain

  Five weeks posthospitalization, the patient initiated chiropractic care with complaints of severe low back pain with lower extremity involvement. He also complained of neck pain and occipital headache. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Don’t mean to sound high falutin, but this just means low back pain with possible nerve impingement (ipit na ugat) or nerve involvement, as you describe the pain as “gumagapang sa hita, binti, paa, at likod.” [pinoytransplant.com]

  Ang SPA ay maraming klase •  Maaring sumunod sa UTI or pagtatae (Reactive Arthritis) •  Maaring makita sa mga bata (Juvenile form) •  Maaring magsimula as chronic low back pain (Ankylosing Spondylitis) •  Maaring may kasamang rashes (Psoriatic arthritis [slideshare.net]

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scan were used to confirm sacral involvement, but they demonstrated that on clinical diagnosis alone, the presence of low back pain showed a significant relationship. [oapublishinglondon.com]

• Contusion

  As such, the PedEM Morsels have covered various traumatic topics (ex, Abdominal Trauma, Aortic Injury, Traumatic Ptx, Pulmonary Contusion, and C-Spine Clearance ), but one issue deserves specific attention: the Pelvic Fracture. [pedemmorsels.com]

  Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Pelvic Fracture include: Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in identifying any noticeable deformities, swelling, contusions, within the pelvis. [dovemed.com]

  Signs observed on physical examination that suggest the presence of a pelvic fracture include abrasions and contusions, isolated rotation of a lower limb, and limb length discrepancy. [symptoma.com]

  Kreider expects 'big things' from Rangers this season - NHL.com It was the first time Zuccarello played in a game since sustaining a brain contusion and hairline fracture of his skull in Game 5 of the Eastern ... [educalingo.com]

• Hip Dislocation

  Torode IV – Unstable Ring Disruption Ring disruptions, hip dislocations and combined pelvic and acetabular fractures. Unstable Stability is determined clinically and radiographically. [pedemmorsels.com]

  They should be differentiated from, or could be accompanied by many disorders like: [13] [14] [15] [16] (levels of evidence: 4) - avascular necrosis of the femoral head - cancer - hip dislocation - hip fractures - osteomyelitis - osteoporosis - genito-urinary [physio-pedia.com]

• Dizziness

  Signs and symptoms of a Pelvic Fracture include: Lower back, abdomen pain; may be excessive pain Noticeable abdominal discoloration due to internal bleeding Difficultly walking,altered gait when walking Blood in urine Feeling of dizziness Weakness and [dovemed.com]

  The primary symptoms of a pelvic fracture besides pain include: Bruising of the abdomen Pain in the back Worsened pain with walking Difficulty walking Hip pain Leg pain Pelvic Swelling Bloody urine Dizziness Shock Fainting spells Incontinence Lower abdominal [autoaccident.com]

• Foot Drop

  We present an unusual case of a 15-year-old boy who was involved in a bicycle accident, and who, a week after his injury, developed a delayed hypogastric branch artery pseudoaneurysm causing sciatic nerve compression with a right foot drop. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Pelvic Pain

  Clinical science Summary Pelvic fractures most often occur in patients with multiple trauma caused by impact injuries such as car accidents or falls. Patients present with pelvic pain, reduced range of motion, and hematomas. [amboss.com]

  CPT® 2017 Changes offers the following clinical example of 27198: A patient who was involved in a vehicular crash presents with pelvic pain and pain with attempted weight bearing. [aapc.com]

  Plain x-rays Usually CT Pelvic fractures should be considered if patients have pain in the pelvic region or hip or have had major trauma. An anteroposterior pelvis x-ray shows most fractures. [msdmanuals.com]

  Pelvic splint indications Indications for a pelvic splint after severe blunt or blast injury include one or more of the following: Pelvic pain Any major limb amputation or near amputation Physical exam findings suggestive of a pelvic fracture Unconscious [ems1.com]

• Urinary Retention

  retention Mortality rate is high when fractures are unstable or posterior or when they cause hemorrhagic shock. [msdmanuals.com]

  retention and chronic urinary tract infection, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.11 Other reproductive health complications can include obstructed menstruation, difficulty conceiving, prolonged labour, tearing of tissues during [ar.glosbe.com]

  Neurological features may also result from pelvic injuries including incontinence, urinary retention, weakness or loss of sensation in the lower limbs, affected reflexes in the rectum, perineum or the lower extremities. [symptoma.com]

Pelvic fractures should be suspected in patients who present to the emergency department with history of trauma and pain in the pelvic region. Most fractures can be seen using an anteroposterior pelvis X-ray. Specialized X-rays views, such as Judet views, may be needed if another fracture or ligamentous disruption is suspected as a result of a displaced fracture. In pelvic fractures due to high-energy injuries, CTs are usually used as they are more sensitive than X-rays. However, in low-energy injuries or small avulsion fractures, CTs are not necessary.

Signs observed on physical examination that suggest the presence of a pelvic fracture include abrasions and contusions, isolated rotation of a lower limb, and limb length discrepancy. Evaluation of the bladder and the urethra, including urinalysis to test for hematuria, is important in patients with pelvic fractures. Neurological examination is necessary in order to rule out any neurological injuries. Pelvic and gynecological examination is important in women to exclude for vaginal injuries. Digital rectal examination is indicated in men presenting with pelvic fractures to look for a high-riding prostate, which is an indicator of an increased risk of urethral injury.

Laboratory studies are obtained for patients once they arrive to the emergency department, including complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profile, renal panel, toxicology studies, and serial hematocrits to monitor resuscitation.

Treatment of pelvic fractures depends on whether the fracture is stable or unstable. Symptomatic treatment is enough in patients with stable fractures who can walk with no aid. However, acetabular fractures resulting from high-energy injuries may require surgical intervention, especially if there is displacement or instability after closed reduction of the fracture. If it is accompanied by posterior wall injuries, it is usually managed non-surgically.

If the patient presents to the emergency department with an unstable pelvic fracture, stabilization with wrapping is essential to decrease or stop bleeding. Followed by orthopedic consultation to determine whether external screw fixation or open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) is needed. Symphyseal disruptions are treated surgically with external fixation or open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). Blood transfusion may be required for hemodynamic stability in patients suffering from severe bleeding.

It is important to decrease blood loss by stabilizing pelvic fractures early. This leads to a better prognosis [4]. Pelvic displacement may result in worse prognosis, especially if it is 5 mm or more [5]. If the displacement is more than 1 cm it may also cause increased levels of pain when compared to other patients with less or no displacements at all. Worse prognosis and poor results have also been implicated in cases with limb length discrepancy more than 2.5 cm [6].

Unstable pelvic ring fractures may result in permanent neurological injury, mainly involving the L5 and S1 nerve roots, in 20% of patients, which leads to poorer outcomes and worse prognosis. [7] [8]. 

The risk of mortality and morbidity is high in patients with pelvic fractures. It is estimated that more than 75% of patients deaths from motor vehicle accident prior to arrival to the hospital is secondary to pelvic fractures [2].

Pelvic fractures occur after either high-energy or low-energy events with most of the fractures resulting from trauma. There are different mechanisms for high-energy fractures, the most common one is a motor vehicle accident. Others include motorcycle crashes, falls, and pedestrians. Crush injuries may also result in high-energy pelvic fractures, however, they are rare.

Low-energy fractures occur mainly in adolescents and elderly people. The most common presentation in adolesecents is avulsion fractures of the inferior or superior iliac spines, or apophyseal avulsion fractures of the iliac wing or the ischial tuberosity in athletic injuries. The most frequent mechanism of low-energy fractures in elderly people is falls while walking, which results in stable fractures in the pelvic ring; insufficiency fractures of the anterior pelvic ring and sacrum may also occur [1] [2]. Osteoporosis increases the risk of developing pelvic fractures from low-energy injuries.

The incidence of pelvic fractures differs between males and females. In people less than 35 years of age, the risk is higher among men than women, however, it is higher among women in people older than 35 years [3]. Usually, the pelvic fracture is due to a high-energy injury from a motor vehicle accident. Elderly patients have higher incidence of developing low-energy fractures from falls while walking. Osteoporosis is one of the risk factors predisposing to this [3]. It is estimated that 37 individuals of 100,000 suffer from pelvic fractures every year in the United States.

The pelvis is very important as it protects the internal organs of the body and transmits the weight from the trunk to the lower limbs. The pelvic ring, which is made of aspects of the innominate bones and the sacrum, should be stable in order for the pelvis to bear weight. Ligamentous support plays an important role in the stability of these bones. Injuries in these ligaments or fractures may result in pelvic instability.

Most pelvic fractures are due to motor vehicle accidents. Encouragement of safe driving behaviors prevent these fractures, including the use of seat belts, airbags, and other protective tools. Promotion of anti-drunk driving programs and regulations also helps in the prevention of pelvic fractures.

Different bones may be involved in pelvic fractures, including innominate bones, pubic symphysis, acetabulum, sacroliliac joint or sacrum. The most common mechanism of fracture is trauma, however, they could result from high- or low-energy injuries.

The symptoms and clinical features depend on the severity of the fracture and include pain, genitourinary or gynecological symptoms, or neurological involvement. X-rays and CT scans are used in the diagnosis of pelvic fractures.

Symptomatic treatment is enough in stable minor fractures; however, unstable fractures or in cases where there is severe hemorrhage, surgical intervention is required, which makes pelvic fractures among the most serious fractures treated by orthopedic surgeons.

Pelvic fractures may occur in people of all ages and both genders, however, fractures due to high-energy injuries are more common in young males, and low-energy injuries are usually seen in older women due to osteoporosis. In the United States, it is reported that every year 37 out of 100,000 people suffer from pelvic fractures.

Minor stable fractures heal well with symptomatic treatment and have good prognosis, however, severe unstable fractures may have higher risk of morbidity and mortality.

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries in the pelvic bones, which could be life-threatening. The most common cause of these fractures is trauma due to a motor vehicle accident especially in young men (great force injuries). Older women have weak bones, due to a condition called osteoporosis, which may lead to pelvic fractures from simple falls while walking (slight force injuries).

Pain in the groin region or lower back is the most common presentation in patients with pelvic fractures. The pain usually increases when trying to walk or move the legs. Other symptoms may include blood with urine, decreased amount of urine, rectal or vaginal bleeding. Neurological features may also develop including weakness in the lower limbs and decreased reflexes. There might also be other injuries in the chest, abdomen, legs, or head especially in great force injuries, such as high falls or motor vehicle accidents.

The doctor will do a full thorough examination and a digital rectal examination to look for signs of injury to the urethra. X-rays and CT scans will be ordered to identify the fracture. Gynecological and pelvic examination is also done in women patients to rule out vaginal injuries.

The management of pelvic fractures depends on stability. In stable simple fractures, symptomatic treatment and bed rest will be enough. However, surgical intervention with different procedures may be required in patients with unstable fractures and severe hemorrhage. Blood transfusion may be needed if the patient lost big amounts of blood.

Early stabilized and managed fractures result in better outcomes. However, unstable fractures with severe bleeding may carry a death risk. Using seat belts and airbags while driving, as well as not driving while drunk will decrease motor vehicle accidents, which is the most common cause of pelvic fractures.

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