Open book pelvic injury

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

RTA. Pelvic pain.

Patient Data

Age: 14 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Widening and displacement of the symphysis pubis.   

Fracture of the left pubic symphysis and inferior pubis ramus.

Widening of the left sacroiliac joint.

Case Discussion

Typical mechanism of injury for an open book pelvic fracture due a high impact/velocity injury of the pelvis.  Road traffic accidents are one of the commonest causes.

This case illustrates the disruption of the pelvic ring both anterior (pubic symphysis) and posteriorly (left sacroiliac joint).

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.