Computed tomography for the assessment of posterior pelvic injuries in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami in conventional radiography

Abstract

To investigate the incidence of occult posterior injuries of the pelvic ring in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami, additional computed tomography (CT) was performed. Data from 70 patients were collected within a prolective study. Solitary fractures of the anterior pelvic ring based on conventional radiographic diagnosis were included. Spiral CT, slice thickness 5 mm, was carried out in all patients. In only 47% of cases was the diagnosis of isolated fractures of the pubic rami confirmed. A further 35 fractures of the sacrum and two partial disruptions of the sacroiliac joint were diagnosed using CT. All sacral fractures were incomplete, most were found at the anterior part of the bone. Furthermore, CT revealed three acetabular fractures. Dorsal injuries were significantly more frequent after high energy accidents. Clinical examination did not assist in the prediction of posterior injuries of the pelvic ring. There was no correlation between the extent of the anterior injuries in conventional x-ray and incidence of the posterior injuries in CT. None of the patients with dorsal injuries underwent operative treatment. In conclusion, CT is not required for the routine diagnosis of supposed isolated fractures of the pubic rami.