Selective use of pelvic roentgenograms in blunt trauma patients

This study was initiated to investigate the need for routine pelvic roentgenograms for all blunt trauma victims. Over a 2-year period, we prospectively studied patients referred to the trauma service in the level I trauma center at our institution who met the inclusion criteria. The patients were evaluated by physical examination and, if mentally alert and reliable, were included in the study. After inclusion into the study, a routine pelvic roentgenogram was performed to substantiate the results of our physical examination. All 125 patients included in the study were found to have normal results on pelvic roentgenograms. We conclude that alert, oriented and reliable patients involved in blunt trauma do not need a routine pelvic roentgenogram if the findings on physical examination are negative.