The superior gluteal: an artery at risk in blunt pelvic trauma

Five patients with pelvic fractures were studied arteriographically and all were found to have injury to one or both superior gluteal arteries, in addition to other injuries. In three of the five patients no adjacent bony damage was seen on plain pelvic roentgenograms. A possible explanation for this finding is given in terms of anatomic relationships within the pelvis. The importance of early arteriography in the diagnosis management of blunt pelvic trauma is emphasized.