Radiology Review
The Man With No Medical History
Following a motor vehicle collision, a 60-year-old man has pain in his chest, head, and arm. He has no reported medical history; is his pain a...
ANSWER
There is significant diastasis of the pubic symphysis, measuring nearly 4 cm. No obvious fractures of the hip or pelvis are seen, but there is malalignment of the rami. There is also evidence of a proximal right femur fracture, although this area is not fully imaged.
Such radiographic findings are typically referred to as an open book pelvic fracture. Usually the result of a shear injury, these fractures are not uncommon and carry an increased risk for pelvic vascular injury.
Emergent orthopedic and vascular consults were obtained, and the patient was placed in a pelvic binder to help reduce the distraction and tamponade any potential vascular injuries.
