Pelvic fracture from major blunt trauma. Outcome is determined by associated injuries.

Pelvic hemorrhage has been implicated as the cause of death in 50% of patients who die following pelvic fractures. To establish correlates of morbidity and mortality from pelvic fractures due to blunt trauma, we reviewed 236 patients treated during 4 years. The average age of the 144 men and 92 women was 31.5 years, the average Injury Severity Score was 21.3, the average blood requirement was 5 units, and the average hospital stay was 16.8 days. One hundred fifty-two patients (64.4%) were injured in motor vehicle accidents, 33 (14%) had motor vehicle-pedestrian accidents, 16 (6.8%) had crush injuries, 12 (5.1%) each had either motorcycle accidents or falls, and 11 (4.6%) had miscellaneous accidents. Eighteen patients (7.6%) died, with seven (38.9%) deaths due to hemorrhage. Only one death was caused by pelvic hemorrhage. Other deaths were due to hemorrhage from other sites (6), head injury (5), sepsis or multiple-organ failure (4), pulmonary injury (1), and pulmonary embolus (1). None of the septic deaths was related to a pelvic hematoma. Multivariate multiple regression analysis showed that the severity of injury was correlated with indices of severity of pelvic fractures such as fracture site (p less than 0.0001), fracture displacement (p less than 0.005), pelvic stability (p less than 0.0001), and vector of injury (p less than 0.01). However death could not be predicted on the basis of these indices of severity (p greater than 0.28). Of the nine patients who underwent pelvic arteriography, three required embolization of actively bleeding pelvic vessels, but seven had intra-abdominal hemorrhage that required laparotomy, and eight developed a coagulopathy. Massive bleeding from pelvic fractures was uncommon, and the major threat of hemorrhage was from nonpelvic sites. Furthermore, although injury severity was correlated with the severity of the pelvic fracture, hospital outcome was determined by associated injuries and not by the pelvic fracture.     

Blunt urethral injury: results of initial management

Fourteen men with blunt urethral disruption were treated between 1979-1985. Injuries most commonly resulted from motor-vehicle accidents, as pedestrians or passengers. All patients had additional injuries, including pelvic fracture (13), extremity fractures (10), central nervous system (5), bladder (5) and rectal injury (3); the average injury severity score was 30. Pelvic fracture patterns included ten patients with a crushed pelvis, two with single anterior pelvic ring fractures and one with a double vertical fracture. Blood at the urethral meatus was noted in only five patients, gross hematuria without metal blood in another three, and a displaced prostate on rectal exam was found in 10 cases. All patients had a suprapubic cystostomy for management of the urethral injury. Thirteen of 14 patients survived (93%). The major complication was perineal sepsis. Based on this experience, it is concluded that: 1) the classical findings of urethral injury are not found consistently, 2) certain pelvic fracture patterns, particularly disruption of the anterior pelvic ring, are frequently associated with urethral injury and 3) aggressive and appropriate management of hemorrhage, pelvic fracture and concomitant injuries is important to minimize mortality.     

Displaced inferior ramus fractures as a marker of posterior pelvic injury

Introduction

Injuries to the anterior or posterior pelvic ring rarely occur in isolation. Disruption to the anterior pelvic ring, indicated by a fracture of the superior or inferior pubic ramus, or injury to the pubic symphysis, may be indicative of additional pelvic ring disruption. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether displaced inferior pubic ramus fractures warrant a more detailed investigation of the posterior ring in an effort to predict unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Materials and methods

All patients with a displaced inferior ramus fracture on AP pelvic radiograph were identified at a single level I trauma center over a 5-year period. Complete pelvic radiographs and computed tomography scans were then evaluated for additional pelvic ring injuries. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test to determine the association between inferior ramus fractures and posterior pelvic ring injury.

Results

Sixty-three of the 93 patients with a fracture of the inferior ramus (68 %) were found to have a posterior ring injury; 60 % of these injuries were unstable. Patients with concurrent superior ramus fractures were more likely to have a posterior ring injury (p < 0.001) and an unstable pelvis (p = 0.018). Of those with a displaced unilateral inferior ramus fracture, parasymphyseal involvement was associated with higher incidence of posterior ring injury (p = 0.047) and pelvic instability (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

The anterior pelvic ring can be used to help identify unstable injuries to the posterior pelvis. Patients with displaced inferior pubic ramus fractures warrant a detailed examination of their posterior ring to identify additional injuries and instability.     

Posterior pelvic ring injury of straddle fractures: Incidence,fixation methods,and clinical outcomes

Straddle fracture, a superior and inferior ramus fracture of both sides, is generally treated conservatively. However, posterior pelvic ring injury is often associated with straddle fracture, leading to unstable pelvic bone fracture that requires surgical treatment. The present study reports the clinical and radiological outcomes of straddle fracture with posterior pelvic ring injury.This study included 73 patients (41 men, 32 women) with a straddle fracture injury. The injury mechanism, injury severity score (ISS), accompanying injuries, presence of posterior pelvic ring injury, and fixation methods for the pelvic fracture were analyzed, and outcomes were evaluated functionally and radiologically.Of the 73 patients, 56 (77%) had a posterior pelvic ring injury and 7 died. In 43 patients, the posterior pelvic ring injuries constituted unstable pelvic injury and were treated surgically. The fixation method was determined based on the severity of the posterior pelvic injury. The patients’ mean ISS was 24.7 points. Radiological evaluation of surgical outcomes in 43 patients revealed the outcomes as anatomic in 20, nearly anatomic in 14, moderate in 5, and poor in 4, whereas functional evaluation revealed the outcomes as excellent in 21, good in 9, fair in 7, and poor in 6.Posterior pelvic ring fracture can accompany straddle fractures, which may lead to pelvic injury instability. Thus, special attention is required for patients with a straddle fracture.     

Pelvic ring injuries: Emergency assessment and management

Pelvic ring injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the anatomy of the pelvic ring is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A systematic approach taking into account the mechanism of injury, physical examination, and radiographic assessment is important to quickly identify unstable pelvic disruptions and associated injuries. Because the pelvis is a ring structure, isolated pubic rami fractures on plain radiographs are unusual and should warrant careful evaluation for posterior pelvic disruption with computed tomography. Hemorrhagic shock can occur in about 10% of pelvic ring injuries. Immediate recognition and treatment of this life-threatening condition is critical in emergency management. In addition to fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion, circumferential wrapping, angiographic embolization, laparotomy with pelvic packing, and external fixation can be important life-saving adjuncts in the setting of hemodynamic instability.     

Pelvic ramus fractures in the elderly: 50 patients studied with MRI

Background Whilst it is well known that fractures of the pelvic rami in the elderly are frequently associated with posterior ring injuries, the extent of this second injury is less well known. We evaluated this question by MRI scanning a group of elderly patients presenting at our unit with pelvic rami fractures.

Patients and methods We investigated 50 consecutive elderly patients (45 women) with fractures of the pelvic rami using an MRI scan of the pelvis in order to assess the competency of the pelvic ring.

Results On MRI, 45 (95% CI 42-48) patients had a sacral fracture. At 5-month follow-up, 39 (of 41 reviewed) still complained of posterior sacral tenderness.

Interpretation Pelvic rami fractures in the elderly are nearly always associated with posterior ring injuries. This probably explains why these patients take longer to rehabilitate than might be expected if only the anterior injury is considered, and it also explains why they experience long-term back pain.     

Predicting blood loss in isolated pelvic and acetabular high-energy trauma

OBJECTIVE: To quantify transfusion requirements in patients with isolated acetabular or pelvic fractures and correlate these requirements with fracture classification. DESIGN: Retrospective review of 382 patients with isolated pelvic and/or acetabular fractures. SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients were identified from a trauma registry. Appropriate radiographs and complete transfusion data were obtained for 289 (75%) of 382 eligible patients between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003. INTERVENTION: Classification of pelvic fracture by Young and Burgess type and acetabular fractures by Letournel type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Number of units of blood transfused in the first 24 hours after admission to the trauma center. RESULTS: Patients with isolated pelvic fractures with major ligament disruption (APC II or III, LC III, vertical shear, or combined mechanisms) were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (44%) than other fracture types (8.5 %) (P < 0.0005). Transfusion amounts were greatest in APC III (12.6 units) and vertical shear (4.6 units) injuries. Fractures classified as both column, anterior column, anterior column posterior hemi-transverse, or T type were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (56%) than other fracture types (28%) (P = 0.003). Of these fracture types, both column (8.8 units) and anterior column posterior hemi-transverse (6.4 units) received the largest transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated acetabular fractures are as likely as those with isolated pelvic fractures to receive blood transfusions within the first 24 hours of admission. Higher energy pelvic ring fractures classified as APC II or III, LC III, vertical shear, or combined mechanism require more frequent transfusion than other pelvic fractures. Acetabular fractures involving the anterior column as well as T-type fractures require more frequent blood transfusions than other acetabular fractures.     

Can preoperative radiographs predict hardware complication or fracture displacement after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries?

IntroductionOperative fixation of pelvic ring injuries is associated with a high risk of hardware failure and loss of reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative radiographs can predict failure after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries and if the method of fixation effects their risk.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 143 patients with pelvic ring injuries treated with operative fixation at a level 1 trauma center. Preoperative radiographs were examined for the presence of the following characteristics: bilateral rami fractures, segmental or comminuted rami fractures, contralateral anterior and posterior injuries, complete sacral fracture, and displaced inferior ramus fractures. The method of fixation was classified based on the presence of anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior fixation as well as whether or not posterior fixation was performed at a single or multiple sacral levels. Post-operative radiographs were examined for hardware failure or loss of reduction.ResultsTwenty-one patients (14.7%) demonstrated either hardware complication or fracture displacement within 6 months of surgery. Male sex was associated with a decreased risk of hardware complication (OR 0.11 [0.014, 0.86]; p=0.03). Posterior pelvic ring fixation at multiple sacral levels was associated with a decreased risk of fracture displacement (OR 0.21 [0.056, 0.83]; p=0.02). We were unable to demonstrate a significant association between preoperative radiographic characteristics and risk of hardware failure or fracture displacement.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that both gender and the method of posterior fixation are associated with hardware failure or displacement.     

Posterior locked lateral compression injury of the pelvis: report of three cases

Lateral compression injuries to the pelvis typically result in a rotationally unstable and vertically stable condition including an impaction and compression fracture of the posterior pelvic ring. The operative and postoperative management, as well as the morbidity and mortality, of these fractures differs significantly from vertical shear injuries to the pelvis, which are characterized by vertical and rotational instability. We report on three unusual lateral compression injuries to the pelvis, resulting in a complete disruption of the pelvic ring with vertical and rotational instability, by definition. Nevertheless, in these patients, locking of the posterior pelvic ring with medial translation of the iliac wing anterior to the sacrum resulted in a pseudostable condition. Their high rate of fracture-related associated injuries and possible complications, as well as the malalignment of the pelvis, required surgical restoration of the pelvic ring. Fracture reduction was successfully performed through an anterior approach in one patient and a posterior approach in two patients; the posterior approach was preferred. Open reduction and internal fixation of these pelvic ring fractures can result in a satisfactory outcome if the associated injuries are successfully dealt with.     

Criteria for level 1 and level 2 trauma codes: Are pelvic ring injuries undertriaged?

AIM: To determine the association of unstable pelvic ring injuries with trauma code status.METHODS: A retrospective review of all pelvic ring injuries at a single academic center from July 2010 to June 2013 was performed. The trauma registry was used to identify level 1 and level 2 trauma codes for each injury. The computed tomography scans in all patients were classified as stable or unstable using the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Pelvic injury classifications in level 1 and level 2 groups were compared. Patient disposition at discharge in level 1 and level 2 groups were also compared.RESULTS: There were 108 level 1 and 130 level 2 blunt trauma admissions. In the level 1 group, 67% of pelvic injuries were classified as stable fracture patterns and 33% were classified as unstable. In the level 2 group, 62% of pelvic injuries were classified as stable fracture patterns and 38% were classified as unstable. level 1 trauma code was not associated with odds of having an unstable fracture pattern(OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.48-1.41, P = 0.485). In the level 1 group with unstable pelvic injuries, 33% were discharged to home, 36% to a rehabilitation facility, and 32% died. In the level 2 group with unstable pelvic injuries, 65% were discharged to home, 31% to a rehabilitation facility, and 4% died. For those with unstable pelvic fractures(n = 85), assignment of a level 2 trauma code was associated with reduced odds of death(OR = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.35, P = 0.001) as compared to being discharged to home.CONCLUSION: Trauma code level assignment is not correlated with severity of pelvic injury. Because an unstable pelvis can lead to hemodynamic instability, these injuries may be undertriaged.     

The role of associated injuries on outcome of blunt trauma patients sustaining pelvic fractures

In order to identify the prognostic factors and to evaluate the impact of associated injuries in the outcome of patients with pelvic fractures, a retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted with a pelvic fracture during a 42-month period was carried out. Demographic data, the mechanism of injury, the physiologic status on admission, associated injuries, pelvic fracture classification, complications and mortality were analysed. One hundred and three patients were included in the study. Fifty-nine were male, and the mean age was 34. The mean Revised Trauma Score (RTS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were 7.1 and 20, respectively. Pedestrian vs vehicle (59%), was the most frequent mechanism of injury. Twenty patients died (19%) most frequently due to "shock". Complications developed in 37 patients (36%), pneumonia being the most frequent. Age greater than 40 years (p=0.02), "shock" upon admission (p=0.002), a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)<9, Head AIS>2 (p<0. 001), Chest AIS>2 (p=0.007), and abdominal AIS>2 (p=0.03) all correlated with increased mortality. No correlation between pelvic fracture classification or fracture stability with mortality was observed. The outcome of patients with pelvic fractures due to blunt trauma correlates with the severity of associated injuries and physiological derangement on admission rather than with characteristics of or the type of fracture.     

Pelvic ramus fractures in the elderly

Background Whilst it is well known that fractures of the pelvic rami in the elderly are frequently associated with posterior ring injuries, the extent of this second injury is less well known. We evaluated this question by MRI scanning a group of elderly patients presenting at our unit with pelvic rami fractures.

Patients and methods We investigated 50 consecutive elderly patients (45 women) with fractures of the pelvic rami using an MRI scan of the pelvis in order to assess the competency of the pelvic ring.

Results On MRI, 45 (95% CI 42–48) patients had a sacral fracture. At 5-month follow-up, 39 (of 41 reviewed) still complained of posterior sacral tenderness.

Interpretation Pelvic rami fractures in the elderly are nearly always associated with posterior ring injuries. This probably explains why these patients take longer to rehabilitate than might be expected if only the anterior injury is considered, and it also explains why they experience long-term back pain.     

Voiding and sexual dysfunctions after pelvic fracture urethral injuries treated with either initial cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty or immediate primary urethral realignment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the different immediate treatment modalities on the sexual and voiding functions in pelvic fracture urethral injuries. METHODS: The records of 38 male patients with traumatic posterior urethral injuries were reviewed, 18 of whom were treated by initial suprapubic cystostomy and delayed repair (Group 1), and 20 by primary urethral realignment (Group 2). Types of pelvic fractures and urethral injuries were classified according to surgical and radiological findings. Long-term voiding functions were determined by the patient questionnaire, residual urine and uroflow. Sexual functions were also determined by the patient questionnaire and a penile duplex ultrasound study. RESULTS: Mean follow-ups of Groups 1 and 2 were 37 and 39 months, respectively. Membranous urethral disruption extending to the urogenital diaphragm was the most frequent urethral injury (type 3), with incidences of 66.7% and 77.7%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in mean age, incidence of pelvic fracture types and urethral injury types between groups (p > 0.05). After the immediate treatments, 16.7% and 55% of the patients regained normal urination, and stricture developed in 83.3% and 45% of the patients, respectively. In 44.4% of the patients in Group 1 and 10% in Group 2, urethral strictures required open urethroplasty (p < 0.05). Erectile impotence before urethroplasty in 17.6% and 20%, anejaculation after urethroplasty in 17.6% and 15% and incontinence in 5.6% and 10% of the patients were found in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). However, 88.8% and 90% of patients eventually achieved normal urination with complete continence. CONCLUSION: Sexual and voiding dysfunction after pelvic fracture posterior urethral injury seem to be the result of the injury itself, not of the immediate treatment modalities. In urethral disruption injuries, primary urethral realignment seems more favourable than suprapubic cystostomy and delayed repair.     

Pelvic ring disruptions: effective classification system and treatment protocols

From January 1, 1985, to September 10, 1988, 210 consecutive patients with high-energy pelvic ring disruptions (exclusive of acetabular fractures) were admitted to a statewide referral center for adult multiple trauma. They were treated by one of four attending orthopaedic traumatologists per protocol as determined by their injury classification and hemodynamic status; the injury classification system was based on the vector of force involved and the quantification of disruption from that force, i.e., lateral compression, anteroposterior compression, vertical shear, and combined mechanical injury. Of the 210 patients, 162 had complete charts: 126 (78.0%) were admitted directly from the scene, 110 (67.9%) were injured in motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, 25 (15.0%) were admitted in shock (blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg), the average Glasgow Coma Score was 13.2, and the average Injury Severity Score was 25.8. Treatment of the pelvic fracture included the following methods (alone or in combination): acute external fixation (45.0; 28.0%), open reduction/internal fixation (22; 13.5%), acute arterial embolization (11; 7.0%), and bedrest (68; 42.0%). Overall blood replacement averaged 5.9 units (lateral compression, 3.6 units; anteroposterior compression, 14.8 units; vertical shear, 9.2 units; combined mechanical, 8.5 units). Overall mortality was 8.6% (lateral compression, 7.0%; anteroposterior, 20.0%, vertical shear, 0%; combined mechanical, 18.0%). The cause of death was associated with the pelvic fracture in less than 50%; no patient with an isolated or vertical shear pelvic injury died. We conclude that the predictive value of our classification system (incorporating appreciation of the causative forces and resulting injury patterns) and our classification-based treatment protocols reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pelvic ring disruption.     

Bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation without associated fracture or anterior pelvic ring injuries

SI joint dislocations are serious injuries. They are often associated with posterior fractures or anterior ring disruptions. This case report documents the outcome of a patient with an uncommon injury involving bilateral SI joint dislocation without associated anterior pelvic injuries or posterior pelvic fracture.     

Similar patient reported outcomes at long-term follow-up after external fixation versus internal fixation of the anterior ring component of APC injuries

Purpose: Unstable pelvic ring injuries produced by external rotation of the hemipelvis and a symphyseal disruption are most often treated with internal fixation of the anterior ring, with percutaneous treatment of the posterior ring as needed. In some clinical situations, patients are treated with external fixation for their anterior injuries and the long-term functional outcomes associated with external fixation are not well understood. We ask if there is a difference in functional outcome, between treatment of these injuries with internal versus external fixation, when measured at a minimum of three years after injury.Method: This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a level one regional trauma center. Trauma database review identified 128 patients, with 70 subsequently excluded, with unstable anterior posterior compression (APC) pelvic ring injuries (OTA 61B2.3 & 61C1.2) treated with surgery with minimum three years of follow-up. An intervention of internal fixation versus external fixation of anterior pelvic ring was performed, and depending on the injury, supplemented with posterior iliosacral screw fixation. Main outcome was measured with the Majeed functional outcome score (0-100).Results: Patients treated with external fixation reported a Majeed score of 70 (95% CI 28-100) compared to 79 (95% CI 36-100) in those with internal fixation (p-value 0.28). Subgroups of the Majeed score were not significantly different (p value > 0.05). Open fractures, severity of injury, and ISS were worse in those treated with external fixation. There was no differential loss to follow-up.Conclusion Patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries with symphyseal disruptions treated with external fixation as definitive treatment versus internal fixation may fare no different in the long term.     

The significance of penetrating gluteal injuries: an analysis of the Operation Iraqi Freedom experience

BACKGROUND: Although penetrating gluteal injuries rarely are life-threatening, the risk for concomitant injury to regional anatomic structures warrants additional evaluation. We analyzed factors affecting the management and outcomes of these injuries. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the 31st Combat Support Hospital during Operation Iraqi Freedom over a 16 month period. RESULTS: From 3442 patients, 115 patients (3.3%) suffered penetrating gluteal injuries. They were predominately male (98%) with a mean injury severity score of 13. Mortality was 6% (n = 7). Primary mechanisms of injury were improvised explosive devices (41%) and gunshot wounds (59%). Associated injuries were present in 57% of patients [orthopedic (35%), abdominal (29%), rectal (25%), vascular (21%), genitourinary (14%), pulmonary (11%), sphincter (9%)]. Overall, 76% required surgical management, with 14% developing postoperative complications. In total, 27 patients (24%) required stoma placement. Gunshot wounds were associated with through and through injuries (43% vs 6%, p < 0.01), rectal injury (35% vs 11%, p < 0.05), and stoma placement (32% vs 11%, p < 0.05). Blast injuries were associated with a higher mean transfusion requirement (11 vs 6 units, p < 0.05), increased length of stay (14 vs 9 days, p < 0.05), and traumatic brain injury (24% vs 6%, p < 0.05). Independent predictors of a need for stoma placement were gunshot wounds (odds ratio = 10, p < 0.05) and injury severity score greater than 20 (odds ratio = 27, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating gluteal injuries are associated with significant damage to local structures. Gunshot wounds carry a higher risk of injury to the rectum and stoma placement, whereas blast injuries are associated with less local injury and more multisystem trauma.     

Posterior urethral disruption secondary to a penetrating gluteal injury

We report a case of a complete posterior urethral injury secondary to a penetrating gluteal injury. Posterior urethral injury usually occurs in male patients with pelvic trauma. The reported incidence of urethral injury with pelvic fracture ranges from 1.6% to 25% (mean 10%), with 66% of them being complete posterior urethral ruptures. Causes of posterior urethral disruptions include blunt trauma, such as occur in road traffic accidents or falls from heights, and high velocity penetrating and crush injuries. Penetrating gluteal injuries that cause posterior urethral damage are extremely rare. This report presents the first case of a complete urethral injury due to a gluteal stab wound. Furthermore, this case demonstrates that any sign of injury to the lower urinary tract, regardless of the cause or weapon implicated, warrants an immediate evaluation.     

Die Beckenringzerreißung beim polytraumatisierten Patienten

Pelvic injuries represent a thorny and stubborn therapeutic challenge. Because major forces are required to fracture the pelvis, pelvic ring disruption, more than any other fracture, can lead to life-threatening associated injuries such as massive bleeding, organ injuries, and open fractures including hemipelvectomy.The rapid diagnosis and effective treatment ("damage control") of those injuries play the key role in the patient's survival, inasmuch as the mortality of multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption remains high with 20-35%. Exsanguinating hemorrhage represents the most dreaded acute complication of pelvic injuries.Therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have to be primarily adapted to the hemodynamics of the patient, secondarily to injuries of the brain and the torso. The time point and the techniques of definitive pelvic ring stabilization may be different in the patient with multiple injuries compared to isolated pelvic ring injuries.     

Fracture locations influence the likelihood of rectal and lower urinary tract injuries in patients sustaining pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND: Rectal and lower urinary tract injuries in pelvic fractures can lead to significant complications. We sought to determine whether fracture locations could serve as markers for injury. METHODS: In our retrospective review of patients with blunt pelvic fractures, the association of fracture locations with injury to the rectum, bladder, and urethra was explored with Fisher's exact test and subsequently analyzed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 362 patients reviewed, 8 had rectal injury and 24 had lower urinary tract injury. The following locations were found to be significant. Rectum: symphysis pubis (relative risk [RR] = 3.3, p < 0.001) and sacroiliac (SI) joint (RR = 2.1, p = 0.014). Bladder: symphysis pubis (RR = 2.1, p < 0.001), SI joint (RR = 2.0, p < 0.001), and sacrum (RR = 1.6, p = 0.002). Urethra: symphysis pubis (RR = 2.9, p = 0.003), SI joint (RR = 1.8, p = 0.04), and inferior ramus (RR = 4.6, p = 0.008). After multivariate analysis, the primary and independent predictors for each of the injuries were as follows: rectal injury, widened symphysis; bladder injury, widened symphysis and SI joint; and urethral injury, widened symphysis and fracture of the inferior pubic ramus. Although these associations were significant, the overall prevalence of associated rectal and urologic injuries was low. Consequently, the predictive values of these radiologic findings were also low, ranging from 5% to 9% for urethral and rectal injuries to 20% for bladder injuries. CONCLUSION: Certain fracture locations are associated with increased risk for rectal, bladder, or urethral injury. Fractures involving these locations should prompt further work-up for assessment.