Pubic symphysis disruption

Case contributed by Chris Newman

Presentation

Motor bike accident

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
x-ray
  • with the pelvic binder removed, the symphysis is widened, suspicious of a pubic symphyseal disruption.
  • no hip or pelvic fracture
ct
  • no acute fracture
  • congruent hip joints
  • no definite pubic symphysis or sacroiliac joint widening
mri
  • disruption of the symphysis pubis, which is slightly widened in keeping with capsular disruption. fluid within the symphyseal articulation, which extends to the surrounding soft tissues
  • edema involving the adductor musculature in keeping with sprain. No muscle fiber tear identified
  • right-sided edema involving the tensor fascia lata and vests laterals with overlying hematoma
  • mild edema within the right sacroiliac joint without joint widening

Case Discussion

Traumatic disruption of the symphysis pubis - this is a nice example demonstrating the importance of the pre- and post-binder images in identifying this abnormality, even in the absence of fracture.

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