Nonunion of pelvic fractures

Nonunion of the pelvic bones is uncommon. It may be under-diagnosed because of the difficulty in visualization of the fracture and interpretation with conventional radiography. The authors report four cases of nonunion involving the pelvic bones. Nonunion of the posterior ilium was occult in two patients and was not apparent on routine radiographs. The two patients with nonunion of the anterior iliac crest had major displacement caused by muscle pull. Pain on weight-bearing and awkward gait were common symptoms. All patients required surgical management for symptomatic relief.