Imaging in pelvic trauma

Pelvic injuries are an important issue in trauma patients, largely as a result of the major disruptive forces required to fracture the pelvic ring. Despite the growing influence of more sophisticated techniques such as CT and MR in the evaluation of pelvic trauma, conventional imaging remains important, especially in the initial detection of fractures. Several plain film incidences can be used to detect and evaluate a fracture, so that the exact diagnosis can be made in the emergency room. For operative planning CT and especially 3D reconstruction are very useful. Cystography can be used to detect bladder ruptures. Angiography can detect the bleeding site, and therapeutic embolization can stop bleeding. MR imaging is becoming more important, as it can detect occult fractures, especially in the elderly patient.