Orthopedic aspects of pedestrian victims of automobile accidents

Orthopedic injuries in 25 pedestrian victims of automobile accidents were reviewed using severe craniocerebral trauma as the common denominator, A triad of craniocerebral injury, pelvic fracture and lower extremity injury was identified. Upper extremity injuries were uncommon and usually occurred in the shoulder girdle area. A delay in diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries occurred in five patients (20%). Nineteen patients sustained fractures involving the lower extremity and/or pelvis (76%). The pedestrian victims had approximately a 50% occurrence of lower extremity injuries (14 of 25) and approximately 50% incidence of pelvic fractures (11 of 25). Six victims (24%) sustained both injuries. Routine roentgenography of the comatose pedestrian victim should include AP and lateral of the skull and cervical spine and AP of the chest, pelvis and knees.