Sacral ala and bilateral pubic rami fractures

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

MVA. Tubed at the scene.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

Pelvic binder noted. Comminuted displaced fractures of the bilateral superior and inferior pubic rami, more displaced on the left. The pubic symphysis however maintains normal width.

No widening of the sacroiliac joints. Loss of the normal right sacral anterior foraminal lines suggests a right sacral fracture. Hip joints are normally located. CT advised.

Obliquely oriented comminuted fracture of the right sacral ala with involvement of the sacroiliac joint anteriorly without significant diastasis. The fracture extends distally and involves the right S1-S3 neural foramina. Surrounding hematoma noted. Also swollen right piriformis muscle indicating intramuscular hematoma. No focal contrast blush.

There also comminuted and displaced fractures of bilateral inferior and superior pubic rami. Minor right pelvic side wall hematoma from the pubic fractures.

Case Discussion

Loss of the 'seagull' curvilinear lines on the anterior aspect of the sacral is a sign of sacral fracture.

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.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.