Acute avulsion fractures of the pelvis in adolescent competitive athletes: prevalence, location and sports distribution of 203 cases collected

Objective. To describe the prevalence, location and sports distribution of pelvic avulsion fractures in adolescent competitive athletes. Design and patients. One thousand two hundred and thirty-eight radiographs of the pelvis taken for focal traumatic symptoms in athletes with an age range of 11–35 years over a period of 22 years were reviewed. Results. One hundred and ninety-eight adolescent athletes were affected by 203 avulsion fractures of the pelvic apophyses (five cases presented multiple locations). The localisation was the ischial tuberosity (IT) in 109 cases, anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) in 45 cases, anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) in 39 cases, superior corner of pubic symphysis (SCPS) in 7 cases and iliac crest (IC) in 3 cases. Soccer (74 cases) and gymnastics (55 cases) were the sports with the highest number of avulsion fractures documented. Conclusions. Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis in adolescent competitive athletes are most common in soccer and gymnastics. The lesions are usually the consequence of sudden and forceful muscle-tendon contractions during sport activities. Plain radiographs, are determinant for the diagnosis. Received: 5 November 2000 Revision requested: 8 February 2000 Revision received: 26 October 2000 Accepted: 20 November 2000     

不同程度耻骨联合分离对骨盆后环应力分布影响的生物力学研究

目的 评价不同程度耻骨联合分离对骨盆后环应力分布的影响.方法 8具完整骨盆及近侧1/3股骨标本,用夹具将其固定于双足站立骨盆中立位,在CSS-44020生物力学试验机上加载至600 N.将应变片粘贴于骶髂关节两侧、骶骨前方和髂骨后侧选定的38个位点,应用WS3811型数字式应变仪依次测量完整骨盆、耻骨联合分离1 cm、2 cm和2.5 cm时选定位置的应变值.结果 骨盆皮质骨在600 N范围内呈弹性变形,在耻骨联合完整以及不同程度分离时,两侧对应位点应变值无明显差异(P＞0.05).在耻骨联合完整时,骨盆弹性形变较大的位点分布在髂股弓走形上,耻骨联合分离后髂股弓后外侧位点应变值增加较大;骶股弓轴线位点应变值逐渐减小.结论 完整骨盆环垂直负荷的传导途径与骶股弓走形近似,在耻骨联合分离时,骨盆后环传导的垂直负荷向后外侧再分布.     

Pelvic stress injuries: the relationship between osteitis pubis (symphysis pubis stress injury) and sacroiliac abnormalities in athletes

Objective. To demonstrate with radiographic imaging the association between pubic stress injury and sacroiliac abnormalities in athletes. Design and patients. Eleven athletes (9 men and 2 women), comprising seven male long-distance runners, one male soccer player, one male and two female basketball players, were imaged with plain films for complaints of pubic symphysis pain, sciatica, groin pain, or a combination of these complaints. In addition to the plain films, four patients were imaged with CT, two patients had MR imaging, and a bone scan was performed in three patients. Anteroposterior plain films of the pelvis of 20 patients without back pain or pubic pain were evaluated for comparison as a control group (ages 18–72 years, average 49 years; 11 women and 9 men). Results. All athletes showed plain film evidence of either sclerosis, erosions or offset at the pubic symphysis. Four had avulsion of cortical bone at the site of insertion of the gracilis tendon. Four patients demonstrated sacroiliac joint abnormalities on plain films consisting of sclerosis, erosions and osteophytes, and in one of these athletes, bilateral sacroiliac changes are present. Two patients with normal sacroiliac joints on plain films had a bone scan showing increased radionuclide uptake bilaterally at the sacroiliac joints. One patient with both plain film and CT evidence of sacroiliac abnormalities had an MR examination showing abnormal signal at both sacroiliac joints and at the pubic symphysis. A sacral stress fracture was found on CT in one patient with complaints of sciatica. In the control group, six patients, all over the age of 55 years, had mild sclerosis of the symphysis, but no plain film evidence of sacroiliac abnormalities. Conclusion. We have found a group of athletes in whom stress injuries to the pubic symphysis are associated with changes in the sacroiliac joint as demonstrated by degenerative changes or in the sacrum as manifested as a sacral stress fracture. These findings are probably due to abnormal stresses across the pelvic ring structure that lead to a second abnormality in the pelvic ring. The abnormality in the sacrum is not always well seen with conventional imaging. Recognition of the association of stress injury of the symphysis with back pain is important in that it can help avoid inappropriate studies and diagnostic confusion.     

Radiological features of superomedial iliac insufficiency fractures: a possible mimicker of metastatic disease

Objective  Pelvic insufficiency fractures are common in elderly patients. Because both osteoporosis and metastatic disease occur in similar patient populations, insufficiency fractures may be mistaken for metastatic foci. Although the ilium is not an uncommon location for metastases, insufficiency fractures rarely involve the ilium. The radiological features of insufficiency fractures adjacent to the sacroiliac joint (superomedial ilium) have not been well described. We describe the computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging findings of these rare fractures. Materials and methods  Six patients (five female, one male; mean age 66 years, age range 47–83 years) with iliac insufficiency fractures adjacent to the sacroiliac joint were identified following retrospective review of a clinical database. Imaging studies, including CT (n = 4), MR (n = 3), and PET (n = 2) were reviewed by two radiologists. Tissue biopsy result was available in one patient. Results  CT demonstrated subtle fracture lucency (n = 2) or linear sclerosis (n = 3) adjacent to the sacroiliac joint; MR marrow changes adjacent to the sacroiliac joint demonstrated a low T1, high T2 signal intensity line (n = 2), or a low T1 and low T2 signal intensity line (n = 1). Fractures were fluorodeoxyglucose avid (n = 2) with average SUV_max 2.2. Iliac fractures were bilateral in three patients; additional pelvic insufficiency fractures were present in one patient. In one patient, CT-guided biopsy showed no evidence of malignancy. Conclusion  Recognition of the radiological characteristics of iliac insufficiency fractures is important in order to distinguish them from malignancy. The presence of additional pelvic fractures in characteristic locations in the setting of osteoporosis may help to confirm the diagnosis.     

Fatigue fracture of the sacral bone associated with septic arthritis of the symphysis pubis

Fractures of the pubic rami are almost invariably associated with fractures of the posterior arch of the pelvic ring. Two women, aged 50 and 67 years, with septic arthritis of the symphysis pubis attended by severe low back pain, were followed with CT and MR imaging of the pelvis, as well as bone scintigraphy in one patient. In the first patient sacral fractures with severe displacement were revealed, prompting stabilizing symphysiodesis. In the second patient an undisplaced fatigue fracture was confirmed in the right half of the sacrum. In patients with pelvic laxity following arthritis of the symphysis and post-traumatic osteolysis associated with low back pain, displaced or occult fractures of the bones adjacent to the sacroiliac joints should be considered.     

Postradiation sarcomas of the pelvis after treatment for uterine cervical cancer: review of the CT and MR findings of five cases

Objective. To characterize the radiologic features of postradiation sarcomas arising in the pelvic bones following treatment for uterine cervical carcinoma. Design and patients. Five patients who developed postradiation sarcomas in the pelvic bones following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix within the irradiated field were evaluated. Pelvic radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were undertaken in all patients. Histologic confirmation of the tumor type was obtained. Results. Three patients whose tumors were characterized as an osteosarcoma, an angiosarcoma and a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) showed a large round or oval mass mainly in the sacroiliac joint which extended into the posterior gluteal soft tissues. In a fourth patient an osteosarcoma developed in the central ilium extending widely into the soft tissues both anteriorly and posteriorly, with calcified areas within the extraosseous mass. The fifth patient had a MFH which showed osteolytic destruction of the cortex of the acetabulum, and minimal soft tissue extension. There were no specific features or signal intensity changes on MR imaging to differentiate these cases from primary sarcomas. Conclusion. Postradiation sarcoma must be considered in patients with uterine carcinoma when a soft tissue mass is seen in the previously irradiated field, especially if the mass is posterior to the sacroiliac joint and the latent period is more than 5 years. Received: 3 May 2000 Revision requested: 14 July 2000 Revision received: 28 July 2000 Accepted: 20 November 2000     

Percutaneous treatment of insufficiency fractures

Insufficiency fractures of the pelvis, sacrum, spine, and long bones are painful, debilitating, and are common consequences of osteoporosis. Conventional treatment for these fractures varies from conservative therapy to surgery with plate and screw fixation. The former fails to address the underlying problem of fracture and frequently does not alleviate symptoms, while the latter is invasive and not always possible in older populations with low bone density and numerous co-morbidities. Osseous augmentation with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used for over two decades to treat fractures related to osteoporosis, but has not been commonly used to treat fractures outside of the vertebral bodies. Osseous augmentation with PMMA is an image-guided procedure and various techniques have been utilized to treat fracture in different locations. We describe various techniques for image-guided osseous augmentation and treatment of insufficiency fractures with bothPMMA and allograft bone for fractures of the pelvis including sacrum, acetabulum, pubic symphysis, pubic rami ilium; appendicular skeleton including distal radius, proximal femur, and vertebral body. We also describe the potential risks and complications associated with percutaneous treatment of insufficiency fractures and techniques to avoid the pitfalls of the various procedures. We will present the process for patient follow-up and data regarding the pre- and postprocedure pain response in patients undergoing treatment for pelvic insufficiency fractures.     

MR findings in athletes with pubalgia

Objective. To describe the MR findings in athletes with pubalgia. Design and patients. Pelvic MR images of 32 athletes (30 men, 2 women) with pubalgia were studied. T1-weighted and T2-weighted (SE and FSE) and STIR images in the axial and coronal planes were obtained on a 1.5-T system. Images were reviewed for general pelvic pathology. Special attention was given to the pubic symphysis, groin and pelvic musculature, and to the abdominal wall musculature. Results. Thirty surgically confirmed cases comprise the study group. Abnormalities in the following were found: pubic symphysis (21/30), abdominal wall (27/30), groin musculature, including rectus abdominis (21/30), pectineus (6/30), and adductor muscle group (18/30). Conclusions. Pubalgia is a complex process which is frequently multifactorial. The MRI findings can alter the surgical approach. Received: 19 May 2000 Revision requested: 27 July 2000 Revision received: 6 October 2000 Accepted: 27 November 2000     

锁定钢板治疗创伤性耻骨联合分离17例

目的 探讨锁定钢板内固定治疗耻骨联合分离的临床疗效及影像学结果.方法 回顾性分析自2007年12月至2009年12月行锁定钢板内固定治疗的耻骨联合分离17例,其中男11例,女6例;年龄23～65岁,平均45.3岁.骨折类型按Tile分类:B1型5例,B2型1例,B3型1例,C1型6例,C2型3例,C3型1例.耻骨联合分离全部采用锁定钢板固定,后环合并伤采用骶髂前路重建钢板固定7例,经皮骶髂螺钉固定3例,后路M型钢板固定3例.结果 耻骨联合部位手术时间0.5～2 h,平均1.5 h.术中出血50～600 ml,平均200 ml.住院时间14～62 d,平均21d.16例获得随访,随访时间6～30个月,平均16个月.骨盆骨折术后功能按照Majeed评分:优7例,良7例,可2例.结论 锁定钢板内固定治疗耻骨联合分离具有创伤小、操作简单、固定牢靠、并发症少等优点.对于Tile B型骨盆骨折,可以单纯固定前环,如果合并后环损伤、骨盆完全不稳,应该配合后环的复位与内固定.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical and radiographic outcome of traumatic pubic symphyseal diastases fixed with the locked plate. Methods From December 2007 to December 2009,17 patients(11 males,6 females,at mean age of 45.3 years)with pubic symphysis diastasis of unstable pelvic ring injuries were treated with open reduction and fixation with the locked plate.According to Tile classification system,five patients were with type B1 fractures,one with type B2,one with type B3,six with type C1,three with type C2 and one with type C3.All operations were performed under general anesthesia.Pubic symphyseal diastasis was treated by open reduction and fixation with the locked plate.There were 13 patients with associated posterior pelvic disruption,of which seven patients were treated by open reduction via anterior approach and fixed wich the reconstruction plates,three by close reduction and fixed with percutaneoua sacroiliac cannulated screws and three by posterior approach and fixed with M type plates. Results Of all the patients,16 patients were followed up for a mean time of 16 months(6-30months),which showed mean blood loss of 200 ml(50-600 ml)and mean hospital stay of 21 days (14-62 days).The clinical outcome was measured according to Majeed scores system,which showed excellent results in seven patients,good in seven and fair in two. Conclusions The locked plate fixation takes advantages of sailsfactory clinical outcomes with less operative trauma and a lower implant failure and wound infection rate in treatment of traumatic pubis symphysis diastasis.Locked plate fixation of symphysis call be performed alone when the posterior pelvic ring is only partially disrupted (Tile B).Posterior fixation construction should be used if the pelvic ring is under complete instability(Tile C).     

臀肌挛缩症的一种新X线征象--髂骨致密线

目的：明确髂骨致密线与臀肌挛缩症之间的关系，探讨髂骨致密线的形成机制。方法：分析103例臀肌挛缩症的骨盆平片及其中8例骨盆CT片，并与200例非臀肌挛缩症的骨盆平片及其中13例骨盆CT作对照。结果：臀肌挛缩组85例（82．5％）骨盆平片见骶髂关节旁髂骨致密线，对照组仅见5例（2．5％）。103例臀肌挛缩症中，髂骨致密线出现于5岁以上组和5岁以下组分别为81例（81／88）和4例（4／15）；出现于臀大肌挛缩为主组和臀中肌挛缩为主组分别为83例（83／94）和2例（2／9）。CT扫描示正常骨盆的髂骨骶髂关节部外缘皮质呈后内向前外走行的斜面，而在臀肌挛缩症患者，髂骨后部增厚、变形，外缘皮质斜面变小，近乎前后走行。结论：骨盆平片上髂关节旁髂骨致密线是臀肌挛缩症的1种征象；这一征象是由于挛缩的臀大肌长期、持续的牵拉作用，导致本呈后内向前外斜行的髂骨骶髂关节部外缘皮质变为前后走行使其形成轴位投影所致。     

CT cystography: radiographic and clinical predictors of bladder rupture

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to identify radiographic and clinical variables that correlate with bladder rupture that may then be used as selection criteria for CT cystography in trauma patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Hemodynamically stable trauma patients with hematuria were examined under standardized protocol with dynamic oral and i.v. contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis, followed immediately by CT cystography. CT cystography consisted of contiguous 5-mm axial scans of the pelvis after retrograde distention of bladder with 300-400 ml of 4% iodinated contrast material. Radiographic and clinical variables (pelvic fracture, pelvic fluid, intraabdominal visceral injury, degree of hematuria, hematocrit, units of blood transfused, base deficit, injury mechanism, seat belt use, sex, age) were assessed and statistically analyzed using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Positive and negative individual and multivariate predictors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 157 patients entered in our study, 12 (eight males and four females) had bladder rupture. One or more pelvic fractures were present in nine (75%) of the 12 patients (p < 0.001). Pubic symphysis diastasis, sacroiliac diastasis, and sacral, iliac, and pubic rami fractures were statistically associated with bladder rupture. Isolated acetabular fractures did not correlate with rupture. Eight (67%) of the 12 patients with bladder rupture revealed on CT cystography had gross hematuria (p < 0.001). No ruptures were seen in patients with <25 RBC/HPF (red blood cells per high-power field). All patients with rupture had pelvic fluid revealed on standard contrast-enhanced CT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Gross hematuria, pelvic fluid, and specific pelvic fractures were highly correlated with bladder rupture; identification of these findings may help in selection of trauma patients for CT cystography.     

Pubic and sacral insufficiency fractures: clinical course and radiologic findings

Distinctive vertical insufficiency fractures of the pelvis were found in nine osteopenic patients. Each patient had subacute pelvic pain without antecedent trauma. The sacral fractures healed fairly quickly, but the pubic fractures often had a protracted course. Eight patients had combined sacral and pubic fractures; one had only sacral alar fractures. In three patients the sacral fractures preceded the pubic fractures by 3-4 months. All nine patients had skeletal demineralization due to metabolic bone disease, radiation therapy, or multiple myeloma. Recognition of the association between pubic and sacral insufficiency fractures should aid in recognizing the diffuse nature of the skeletal disease so that unnecessary biopsy of the fracture sites can be avoided.     

Pubic bone cement osteoplasty for pubic insufficiency fractures

The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of pubic bone insufficiency fractures refractory to conservative management treated with percutaneous cement osteoplasty. Both patients initially presented with severe pelvic pain and immobility and were treated conservatively without relief. The patients subsequently underwent percutaneous cement osteoplasty of the pubic bone and experienced complete pain relief immediately after the procedures. Both patients were followed up to 1 year, and were pain free throughout. Percutaneous cement osteoplasty may be an effective treatment for pubic bone insufficiency fractures.     

不稳定骨盆后环损伤的手术治疗

目的 探讨如何选择不稳定骨盆后环损伤的内固定方法,为临床内固定的选择提供依据.方法 选择2003年6月-2008年3月收治的不稳定骨盆后环损伤患者53例,其中男39例,女14例;年龄10～69岁,平均39.5岁.致伤原因:交通伤36例,高处坠落伤12例,挤压伤5例.骨盆后环损伤情况:髂骨后部纵向骨折7例;不稳定骶骨骨折27例,按Denis分型标准:Ⅰ区14例,Ⅱ区11例,Ⅲ区2例;不稳定骶髂关节脱位19例,其中伴髂骨翼骨折的骶髂关节脱位7例,经耳状关节与韧带的骶髂关节脱位2例,伴骶骨翼骨折的骶髂关节脱位10例.外伤至手术时间3～28 d,平均6.7 d.采用前侧重建钢板固定7例,经皮骶髂螺钉内固定26例,经皮后方跨骶骨重建钢板内固定20例.结果 本组53例均获12～36个月(平均17.2个月)随访.无切口感染、术中血管神经损伤、内固定松动或断裂,无骨不愈合或明显双下肢不等长.术后根据Matta评分标准:优19例,良27例,可7例,优良率为87%.功能恢复根据Majeed功能评分:优19例,良27例,可7例,优良率为87%.5例骶丛损伤患者鞍区感觉减退或膀胱排尿困难的症状均基本消失,2例骶从损伤患者遗留会阴部麻木和足下垂. 结论 手术重建骨盆后环的稳定性可获得良好的功能康复.应根据骨折的类型、内固定技术的适用范围、手术者的经验、设备条件等具体情况,选择合适的内固定方法.     

MR appearance of parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures of the os pubis

 Objective. To clarify the MRI features of parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures of the os pubis. Design and patients. MRI was performed in four postmenopausal women with parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures. The diagnosis was confirmed with plain films in every patient. T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were obtained in four patients using a 1.5-T unit. Postcontrast T1-weighted imaging was also done in three patients. Results and conclusions. MRI of pubic parasymphyseal insufficiency fracture characteristically demonstrates a hyperintense mass lesion with a hypointense rim on T2-weighted imaging, showing peripheral and septal enhancement after contrast administration. It is important to have this entity in mind in patients with osteoporosis, especially in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation for malignant disease, so as not to misinterpret it as a chondroid tumor or bone metastasis.     

盆底三维超声判断压力性尿失禁患者盆底功能损伤和疗效的价值

目的探讨盆底三维超声在压力性尿失禁患者盆底功能损伤和疗效判断中的应用价值。方法选取40例产后压力性尿失禁患者纳入本次实验作为观察组,另选择同期产后40例正常产妇纳入本次实验作为对照组,观察组产后接受盆底康复治疗,2组均接受盆底三维超声检查,统计并比较2组盆底功能(盆底裂孔面积、膀胱尿道后角以及膀胱颈至耻骨联合下缘的距离)。结果观察组康复治疗前静息状态及Valsalva动作下的盆底裂孔面积、膀胱尿道后角均大于对照组,膀胱颈至耻骨联合下缘距离均小于对照组(P<0.05);观察组康复治疗后静息状态及Valsalva动作下的盆底裂孔面积、膀胱尿道后角均小于治疗前,膀胱颈至耻骨联合下缘距离均大于治疗前(P<0.05);观察组康复治疗后静息状态及Valsalva动作下的盆底裂孔面积、膀胱尿道后角、膀胱颈至耻骨联合下缘距离与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论对产后压力性尿失禁患者实施盆底三维超声检查,可以准确判断患者的盆底功能损伤情况,并可作为评价盆底康复治疗效果的重要参考依据。     

骶髂螺钉不同进针点置钉对骨盆外旋不稳定的生物力学影响

目的 测量骶髂螺钉不同进针点置钉对骨盆外旋不稳定的生物力学影响,为临床应用提供试验依据.方法 10具新鲜冰冻成人骨盆标本,骶髂关节拉力螺钉经进针点B(髂后下棘前2.5 cm与坐骨大切迹上4.0 cm的交点)、A(B点同一水平面前方1.0 cm)、C(B点同一水平面后方1.0 cm)固定骶髂关节.测量骶髂关节前韧带完整组、A进针点组、B进针点组、C进针点组在相同外旋应力下骶髂关节、耻骨联合的分离距离,从而比较不同进针点的固定强度.结果 在对抗外旋力上,韧带完整组、C进针点组与A/B组差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);A、B进针点组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).在骶髂关节稳定性上,除韧带完整组、B进针点组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)外,余各组间差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 对骶髂关节稳定性B进针点更为优越,更为安全、有效.     

Anatomic changes in the pelvis after uncomplicated vaginal delivery: a CT study on 14 women

We analyzed CT scans of the pelvis made within 24 hr of an uncomplicated term vaginal delivery in 14 women to document the anatomic changes that occur in the immediate postpartum period. Scans were interpreted by three radiologists, and the results were compared with those from pelvic CT scans made from normal, age-matched, nonpregnant women. In addition to soft-tissue windows, bone windows also were obtained to assess the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints in both the postpartum women and the control subjects. The mean uterine length, transverse width, and anteroposterior diameter in the postpartum women (14 +/- 1.4, 12 +/- 1.5, and 9 +/- 1.6 cm, respectively) were significantly larger than in the nonpregnant women (7 +/- 1.4, 5 +/- 0.8, and 4 +/- 0.9 cm) (p less than .0001). CT scans showed intrauterine blood in nine of the postpartum women (64%), and three (21%) had intrauterine gas. There was widening of the sacroiliac joint in one (7%) of the postpartum women compared with none of the control subjects. Widening of the pubic symphysis was present in six (42%) of the postpartum women and in none of the control subjects. Six (42%) of the postpartum women had gas in the sacroiliac joints, 33% of which occurred bilaterally; gas in the pubic symphysis was seen in four (28%) of the postpartum scans. In one patient, an asymptomatic muscle hematoma was discovered. We conclude that normal changes in the pelvis after uncomplicated term vaginal delivery include enlargement of the uterus, intrauterine blood, widening of the symphysis and sacroiliac joints, and gas in the sacroiliac joints.     

Spiral computed tomography in the assessment of vascular lesions of the pelvis due to blunt trauma

PURPOSE: We investigated the role of Helical Computed Tomography (CT) in the evaluation of low or high flow vascular injuries in patients with blunt pelvic trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May 1998 to December 1999, forty-nine patients (32 men and 17 women, ranging in age 14-59 years) with acute symptoms from blunt pelvic trauma were submitted to Computed Tomography (CT). A conventional radiography of the pelvis had been performed in all cases. CT was performed with a helical unit (thickness 8 mm, reconstruction interval 8 mm, pitch 1.5) after intravenous contrast agent (150-180 mL) rapid infusion (4-5 mL/s, 60 s acquisition delay from bolus starting) and using a power injector. A second spiral acquisition was performed in all cases from the iliac roofs to the inferior border of the pubic symphysis. Vascular hemorrhage was considered as low flow when the hematoma appeared as a focal homogeneous density area and as high flow when associated with contrast agent extravasation. Moreover, traumatic assessment included evaluation of the hematoma, of the leakage site and of the involved vessel. RESULTS: Radiologic examination of the pelvis revealed fractures in 35/49 patients (71.4%). Helical CT allowed us to identify low flow hemorrhage in 37 patients, affected with hematomas from fracture of the iliac wing or of the sacrum (14 cases), tear of the pelvic (3 cases) or extrapelvic (4 cases) muscular structures, or injury of the venous plexus (20 cases). In four patients two vascular injuries were detected. High flow hemorrhage was seen in 12 patients, who had Helical CT findings of contrast agent extravasation along the common iliac vein (3 cases), external iliac artery (3 cases), internal iliac artery (4 cases), internal pudendal artery (1 case), obturator artery (1 case), inferior epigastric artery (2 cases), superior gluteal artery (2 cases), inferior gluteal artery (1 case), cremasteric artery (1 case). In 6 patients with high flow hemorrhage, two vascular injuries were shown. In all these patients, an extraperitoneal hematoma was associated with the contrast agent extravasation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the pelvic ring generally result from severe trauma. Management of these injuries must include not only treatment of the skeletal trauma but also of the associated shock and complications. Major blood loss usually occurs as a result of bleeding from the branches of the internal iliac artery. With respect to pelvic plain radiography, CT provides superior detailing of fractures, position of fracture fragments and extent of diastasis of the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. Moreover CT provides diagnostic information regarding the presence or absence of pelvic bleeding and can identify the site of bleeding. In our experience, Helical CT allows us to distinguish high flow hemorrhage, where vascular injuries must be treated first, from low flow hemorrhage which can be managed differently.     

Mid-foot reconstruction following involvement of five bones by giant cell tumor

We report on a patient who had giant cell tumor involving multiple bones of the mid-foot. The tumor originated from the navicular bone, but also destroyed the cuboid, and all cuneiform bones. This unusual presentation of giant cell tumor presented a therapeutic challenge for the surgeons. The patient was treated with en bloc resection and the bony defect replaced with a massive iliac crest graft which united within 9 months and has remained stable for 7 years without local recurrence, and with excellent function of the foot. Received: 25 January 2000 Revision requested: 21 February 2000 Revision received: 11 July 2000 Accepted: 12 July 2000