Sacral Spine, Pelvis, and Pelvic Ring

Abstract

The pelvic ring consists of three bones: bilateral innominate bones and the sacrum. The sacrum is the bony link between the pelvic ring and the spine. The sacrum is often viewed as the cornerstone of the pelvic ring. There are two types of injuries to the sacrum: traumatic injuries to normal bony architecture and pathologic fractures to compromised bony architecture. This chapter will discuss traumatic injuries to the sacrum and pelvic ring in normal bony architecture. Insufficiency and pathologic injuries which occur in patients with low lumbar fusions, tumors, and osteoporotic bone will not be discussed.