Computed tomography of the pelvis in patients with multiple injuries

The extent of osseous pelvic injury in patients suffering multiple organ trauma is difficult to assess. However, accurate information is essential in order to determine an acceptable treatment regimen, either operative (external or internal fixation), or nonoperative (bed rest and early ambulation). Twenty consecutive patients were treated for pelvic fractures from January 1981 through February 1982. All patients had multiple organ injuries, (average = 3.5 organ systems per patient). Each patient had an A-P X-ray projection of the pelvis in the emergency department (E.D.) as a part of the initial evaluation. Three patients (15%) required immediate laparotomy for associated abdominal injuries. Six patients (30%) required prolonged ventilatory support for pulmonary injuries. Computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis was performed on all patients within 4 days of admission. In seven patients, CT examination confirmed the findings of the routine X-rays obtained in the E.D. In 13 patients the CT examination demonstrated significant additional fractures of the pelvis which were not initially demonstrated in the E.D. A consistent pattern of either sacral fracture or injury to the sacroiliac joint which was not appreciated on the initial E.D. X-rays was demonstrated in these 13 patients. Six patients underwent operative intervention, four with Hoffmann frames (external fixation), and two with reduction and internal fixation. CT examination of the pelvis provides a rapid and thorough evaluation which is extremely useful in demonstrating all the fractures of the pelvis on the single examination, thereby allowing the early determination of the best treatment plan for patients with such major injuries.