11
Imaging of Pelvic FracturesImaging of Pelvic Fractures
Christina Christina BoultonBoulton
Harvard Medical School, Year IIIHarvard Medical School, Year III
Gillian Lieberman, MDGillian Lieberman, MD
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD May 2004
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
WheelessWheeless CR. CR. WheelessWheeless’’ TexbookTexbook of of OrthopaedicsOrthopaedics. . http://http://www.wheelessonline.comwww.wheelessonline.com
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OutlineOutline
Pelvic Anatomy ReviewPelvic Anatomy Review
Introduction to Pelvic Fractures, Introduction to Pelvic Fractures,
Associated Injuries and ComplicationsAssociated Injuries and Complications
Our PatientOur Patient
Pelvic Imaging ModalitiesPelvic Imaging Modalities
Pelvic Fracture ClassificationPelvic Fracture Classification
SummarySummary
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: WheelessWheeless CR. CR. WheelessWheeless’’ TexbookTexbook of of OrthopaedicsOrthopaedics. . http://http://www.wheelessonline.comwww.wheelessonline.com
33
Pelvic Anatomy Review Pelvic Anatomy Review -- BonesBones
Sacral
Strut
Posterior
Column
Anterior Column
Obturator
Foramen
Neural
Foramen
ILIUM
IPR
SPR
SI Joint
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: Gray, Henry. 1918.Image: Gray, Henry. 1918.
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Pelvic Anatomy Review Pelvic Anatomy Review -- LigamentsLigaments
Sacrotuberous
Ligament
Ventral
Sacroiliac
Ligaments
Iliolumbar Ligament
Sacrospinous
Ligament
Dorsal
Sacroiliac
Ligaments
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: Gray, Henry. 1918.Image: Gray, Henry. 1918.
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Pelvic Anatomy Review Pelvic Anatomy Review –– IIIIII
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Images: Gray, Henry. 1918.Images: Gray, Henry. 1918.
The bony pelvis lies in close proximity to numerous vascular, neural and soft tissue
structures that are vulnerable during pelvic ring disruption.
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Introduction to Pelvic FracturesIntroduction to Pelvic Fractures
33--4% of all 4% of all FxFx, usually associated with significant trauma, usually associated with significant trauma
Types of Pelvic FractureTypes of Pelvic Fracture
–– Lower Energy: Avulsion & Lower Energy: Avulsion & AcetabularAcetabular FxFx
–– Higher Energy: Ring DisruptionsHigher Energy: Ring Disruptions
Stable vs. Unstable (33%), Open vs. ClosedStable vs. Unstable (33%), Open vs. Closed
Rule of Rings Rule of Rings –– usually >1 disruption, breaks occur at weakest pointsusually >1 disruption, breaks occur at weakest points
Mechanism of InjuryMechanism of Injury
–– Requires significant force, e.g. MVA (50Requires significant force, e.g. MVA (50--60%), Motorcycle Crash (1060%), Motorcycle Crash (10--
20%), Pedestrian Struck (1020%), Pedestrian Struck (10--22--%), Fall (8%), Fall (8--10%), Crush (310%), Crush (3--6%)6%)
Morbidity & Mortality Morbidity & Mortality
–– Adult mortality 10Adult mortality 10--15% (secondary to retroperitoneal hemorrhage, 15% (secondary to retroperitoneal hemorrhage,
infection)infection)
–– Mortality approaches 50% if Mortality approaches 50% if hypotensivehypotensive on presentation, ~30% if open on presentation, ~30% if open
fracturefracture
–– Significant decrease in morbidity and mortality with prompt stabSignificant decrease in morbidity and mortality with prompt stabilization ilization
of unstable pelvic fracturesof unstable pelvic fractures
–– Pelvic Pelvic FxFx more common in patients <55yrs but have increased morbidity more common in patients <55yrs but have increased morbidity
and mortality in patients >55yrsand mortality in patients >55yrs
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
77
Associated Injuries & ComplicationsAssociated Injuries & Complications
Vascular Injuries + Hemorrhage (40%)Vascular Injuries + Hemorrhage (40%)
Nerve (10%) Nerve (10%) –– Sciatic, Femoral, Sciatic, Femoral, ObturatorObturator, ,
LumbosacralLumbosacral Plexus esp. roots S1Plexus esp. roots S1--5 5
Organ Injuries (rare) Organ Injuries (rare) –– Liver, Spleen, GILiver, Spleen, GI
GU system: Bladder/Urethral Rupture (10GU system: Bladder/Urethral Rupture (10--15%)15%)
Chronic PainChronic Pain
ArthritisArthritis
Immobility Immobility –– increase risk for PE, all pelvic increase risk for PE, all pelvic
fracture patients should be fracture patients should be anticoagulatedanticoagulated once once
hemorrhage stabilized.hemorrhage stabilized.
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
88
Our Patient: MS, 77yo F struck by carOur Patient: MS, 77yo F struck by car
Documented 20min LOCDocumented 20min LOC
IntubatedIntubated at scene and transported to at scene and transported to
BIDMC ED via Life FlightBIDMC ED via Life Flight
HypotensiveHypotensive during transport and given during transport and given
IVFsIVFs, stable VS on arrival at ED, stable VS on arrival at ED
In ED: multiple injuries noted to head, CIn ED: multiple injuries noted to head, C--
spine, upper and lower extremities, pelvis spine, upper and lower extremities, pelvis
noted as stable to palpationnoted as stable to palpation
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
99
Patient MS: Trauma SeriesPatient MS: Trauma Series
Findings:Findings:
–– Minimally Minimally
displaced displaced
fractures of R fractures of R
inferior and inferior and
superior pubic superior pubic
ramirami
–– Sacrum not Sacrum not
well visualizedwell visualized
–– Sacral Sacral FxFx seen seen
on CT scouton CT scout
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: PACS, BIDMC
1010
Pelvic Imaging TechniquesPelvic Imaging Techniques
Plain FilmsPlain Films
-- Trauma SeriesTrauma Series
-- Inlet & Outlet ViewsInlet & Outlet Views
-- JudetJudet (Oblique Views) (Oblique Views) -- acetabularacetabular fracturesfractures
Pelvic CT Ortho Protocol Pelvic CT Ortho Protocol –– highlights bone detailhighlights bone detail
MRI MRI –– usually modality of choice for detailed imaging of usually modality of choice for detailed imaging of
joints and ligaments in other circumstancesjoints and ligaments in other circumstances
FAST Exam FAST Exam –– utility only for intrautility only for intra--abdominal or retroabdominal or retro--
peritoneal blood collectionsperitoneal blood collections
Other StudiesOther Studies
-- Retrograde Retrograde urethrogramurethrogram or CT or CT cystogramcystogram if exam suggests if exam suggests
injury to GU systeminjury to GU system
-- ArteriographyArteriography for minor persistent hemorrhage or hematomafor minor persistent hemorrhage or hematoma
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
1111
Pelvic Imaging Pelvic Imaging –– Plain FilmsPlain Films
Trauma SeriesTrauma Series
–– Used for initial Used for initial
evaluationevaluation
–– Detects pelvic Detects pelvic fxfx 90% 90%
of timeof time
–– Good for: Good for: ramirami fxfx, ,
pubic pubic symphysissymphysis, large , large
hematomas hematomas
–– Bad for: Bad for: ligamentousligamentous
injuries, subtle injuries, subtle
displacements esp. displacements esp.
axial, sacral fracturesaxial, sacral fractures
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: WheelessWheeless CR. CR. WheelessWheeless’’ TexbookTexbook of of OrthopaedicsOrthopaedics. . http://http://www.wheelessonline.comwww.wheelessonline.com
Supplemental Case 1: Symphyseal Diastasis, Sacral Fx
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Pelvic Imaging Pelvic Imaging –– Plain Films IIPlain Films II
Inlet ViewInlet View
–– best demonstrates ring configuration of best demonstrates ring configuration of
pelvis, narrowing/widening of diameter of pelvis, narrowing/widening of diameter of
ringring
–– evaluates for evaluates for posterior displacementposterior displacement of of
pelvic ring or opening of pubic pelvic ring or opening of pubic symphysissymphysis
Outlet ViewOutlet View
–– evaluates for evaluates for vertical shiftvertical shift of pelvisof pelvis
–– proximal/distal displacements of anterior or proximal/distal displacements of anterior or
posterior portion of ringposterior portion of ring
–– sacrum appears in its longest dimension, sacrum appears in its longest dimension,
w/ neural foramina evident. w/ neural foramina evident.
JudetJudet (Oblique) Views(Oblique) Views
–– External View: External View: -- shows shows ilioischialilioischial line line
posterior column & anterior wall.posterior column & anterior wall.
–– Internal View: Internal View: -- shows shows iliopectinealiliopectineal
line anterior column & posterior wall. line anterior column & posterior wall.
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
1313
Retrograde Retrograde UrethrogramUrethrogram
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: WheelessWheeless CR. CR. WheelessWheeless’’ TexbookTexbook of of OrthopaedicsOrthopaedics. . http://http://www.wheelessonline.comwww.wheelessonline.com
Supplemental Case 2: Bladder rupture with contrast extravasation
Retrograde injection of contrast material into bladder via urethra
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Pelvic Imaging Pelvic Imaging -- CTCT
UsesUses
-- Good visualization of subtle fractures, AP displacementGood visualization of subtle fractures, AP displacement
-- Useful if pt. not able to be positioned adequately for Useful if pt. not able to be positioned adequately for
special viewsspecial views
-- CT faster now than in past so not contraCT faster now than in past so not contra--indicated in indicated in
early trauma work upearly trauma work up
-- Many multiMany multi--trauma pts will already be bound for CTtrauma pts will already be bound for CT
-- Coronal and Coronal and saggitalsaggital reconstructions useful for reconstructions useful for
understanding understanding spacialspacial relationships of fragmentsrelationships of fragments
-- CT CT CystogramCystogram alternative to retrograde alternative to retrograde urethrogramurethrogram to to
r/or/o bladder injury bladder injury
-- Operative planningOperative planning
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: PACS, BIDMC
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Our Patient (MS): Pelvic CTOur Patient (MS): Pelvic CT
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Comminuted Fx R Sacral Ala with mild distraction of fragments, small
surrounding hematoma, R SI joint slightly ectatic posteriorly
Image: PACS, BIDMC
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Our Patient (MS): Pelvic CTOur Patient (MS): Pelvic CT
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
R Sacral Fx with posterior displacement of sacral wing, hematoma
Image: PACS, BIDMC
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Our Patient (MS): Pelvic CTOur Patient (MS): Pelvic CT
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Comminuted Fx of R inferior pubic ramus, mild distraction of fragments
Image: PACS, BIDMC
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Our Patient (MS): Pelvic CTOur Patient (MS): Pelvic CT
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
L pubic bone fx @ pubic symphysis + associated small hematoma
Image: PACS, BIDMC
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Our Patient (MS): Pelvic CTOur Patient (MS): Pelvic CT
Coronal ReconstructionCoronal Reconstruction
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
R Sacral Ala Fx, superior displacement, Fx R inferior pubic ramus
Image: PACS, BIDMC
2020
Our Patient (MS): ArteriogramOur Patient (MS): Arteriogram
Bilateral iliac artery arteriogramBilateral iliac artery arteriogram
Crisp, uniform vessel outlineCrisp, uniform vessel outline
No contrast No contrast extravasationextravasation
Arteriogram of small branch of R Arteriogram of small branch of R
internal iliac internal iliac
Contrast Contrast extravasationextravasation
vessel vessel
embolizedembolized
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Images: PACS, BIDMC
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Pelvic Imaging Pelvic Imaging –– Follow UPFollow UP
Post ORIF Plain FilmsPost ORIF Plain Films
–– Often done in OROften done in OR
CT or Plain Films post CT or Plain Films post
external fixationexternal fixation
–– To check correct anatomic To check correct anatomic
relationshipsrelationships
Artifact Reduction CTArtifact Reduction CT
–– Subtracts hardware artifactSubtracts hardware artifact
JudetJudet (Oblique) Views(Oblique) Views
–– To follow To follow acetabularacetabular
fracturesfractures
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Image: WheelessWheeless CR. CR. WheelessWheeless’’ TexbookTexbook of of OrthopaedicsOrthopaedics. . http://http://www.wheelessonline.comwww.wheelessonline.com
Purpose: To determine if pelvic re-alignment procedures have brought bones
back to anatomic position and evaluate callous formation & healing
Intra-operative Portable Supine Pelvic
Xray of Unstable Fx s/p ORIF
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Pelvic Pelvic FxFx Classification SystemClassification System
Multiple classification systems in useMultiple classification systems in use
Young System: 4 general categories, Young System: 4 general categories,
based on mechanism of injurybased on mechanism of injury
–– Lateral Compression (LC ILateral Compression (LC I--III)III)
–– Anterior/Posterior Compression (APC IAnterior/Posterior Compression (APC I--III)III)
–– Vertical Shear (VS)Vertical Shear (VS)
–– Combined Mechanical (CM)Combined Mechanical (CM)
Hemorrhage predominantly with APC & VS Hemorrhage predominantly with APC & VS
injuries, rare with LC injuriesinjuries, rare with LC injuries
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
2323
Lateral Compression FracturesLateral Compression Fractures
LC IILC II
MechMech: lateral : lateral
compression to compression to
iliumilium
Post. Injury = Post. Injury =
ipsilateralipsilateral posterior posterior
iliac fractureiliac fracture
USUALLY STABLEUSUALLY STABLE
LC ILC I
MechMech: lateral : lateral
compression to compression to
sacrumsacrum
Post. Injury = Post. Injury =
ipsilateralipsilateral sacral sacral
strut compression strut compression
fracturesfractures
STABLESTABLE
LC IIILC III
MechMech: rollover : rollover
Post. Injury = LC Post. Injury = LC
I/II + I/II + contralateralcontralateral
AP compressionAP compression
UNSTABLEUNSTABLE
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
KEY: Transverse Pubic Rami Fx/s + Ipsi- or Contralateral Posterior Injury
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
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A/P Compression FracturesA/P Compression Fractures
APC IAPC I
MechMech: low/mod AP : low/mod AP
force (e.g. sports)force (e.g. sports)
Injury: PS<2cm/ Injury: PS<2cm/
PR PR FxFx + anterior + anterior
SI ligament stretchSI ligament stretch
STABLESTABLE
APC IIAPC II
MechMech: high energy : high energy
AP forceAP force
Injury: PS>2cm/ PR Injury: PS>2cm/ PR
FxFx + anterior SI + anterior SI
ligament tear + torn ligament tear + torn
ST, SS ligamentsST, SS ligaments
UNSTABLE, UNSTABLE, ““open open
bookbook””
APC IIIAPC III
MechMech: very high : very high
energy AP forceenergy AP force
Post. Injury: anterior Post. Injury: anterior
AND posterior SI, SS AND posterior SI, SS
& ST ligaments torn& ST ligaments torn
VERY UNSTABLEVERY UNSTABLE
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
KEY: Syphysis diastasis OR Longitudinal Rami Fx +/- Post. Ligament Tear
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
2525
Vertical Shear FracturesVertical Shear Fractures
S/I Displacement S/I Displacement
often evident on often evident on PExPEx
Mechanism: fall from Mechanism: fall from
significant height significant height
Injury: can be Injury: can be
ligamentousligamentous only or only or
involve fractures alsoinvolve fractures also
UNSTABLEUNSTABLE
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
2626
Combined MechanicalCombined Mechanical
Mechanism: multiple Mechanism: multiple
forces from multiple forces from multiple
directions, usually VS directions, usually VS
+ LC+ LC
Injury: combinationInjury: combination
High association with High association with
severe trauma, severe trauma,
hemorrhage and hemorrhage and
multiple other injuriesmultiple other injuries
UNSTABLEUNSTABLE
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
Images: Borril et al. Orthoteers Orthopedic Education Resource. http://www.orthoteers.co.uk/.
2727
Our Patient (MS) SummaryOur Patient (MS) Summary
MSMS’’ss InjuriesInjuries
–– R superior & inferior pubic R superior & inferior pubic ramirami fxfx
–– L pubic L pubic symphysissymphysis fxfx
–– R sacral R sacral fxfx + R sacroiliac joint widening + R sacroiliac joint widening
–– Pelvic hematomaPelvic hematoma
Classification Classification –– CM pelvic ring disruptionCM pelvic ring disruption
Complications Complications –– bleeding/hematoma, CT bleeding/hematoma, CT CystoCysto
showed no bladder injury (not shown)showed no bladder injury (not shown)
Interventions Interventions –– arterial arterial embolizationembolization, external , external
pelvic fixationpelvic fixation
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
2828
Pelvic Fractures: SummaryPelvic Fractures: Summary
Associated Morbidity & Mortality = HighAssociated Morbidity & Mortality = High
Associated Injuries & Complications = Common + Associated Injuries & Complications = Common +
DangerousDangerous
–– Injury to vessels, nerves, bladder and other organs Injury to vessels, nerves, bladder and other organs
commoncommon
–– LongtermLongterm FxFx complications complications e.ge.g chronic pain, chronic pain,
immobility, arthritisimmobility, arthritis
Mechanism of injury can predict fracture pattern + Mechanism of injury can predict fracture pattern +
associated injuries if you understand the anatomyassociated injuries if you understand the anatomy
Classification System: Classification System:
–– Low Energy vs. High Energy (Ring Disruption)Low Energy vs. High Energy (Ring Disruption)
–– Stable vs. Unstable, Open Vs. ClosedStable vs. Unstable, Open Vs. Closed
–– Lateral Compression, A/P Compression, Vertical ShearLateral Compression, A/P Compression, Vertical Shear
Christina Boulton, 2004
Gillian Lieberman, MD
2929
Pelvic Imaging: SummaryPelvic Imaging: Summary
Trauma Series KUB Trauma Series KUB -- Initial detection of Initial detection of FxFx
Inlet & Outlet Plain FilmsInlet & Outlet Plain Films
–– Primarily used in characterization of fracture architecture and Primarily used in characterization of fracture architecture and for for
follow upfollow up
JudetJudet Plain FilmsPlain Films
–– Oblique views used for evaluation and follow up of Oblique views used for evaluation and follow up of acetabularacetabular
fracturesfractures
Pelvic CT Ortho ProtocolPelvic CT Ortho Protocol
–– Further characterization of Further characterization of FxFx, esp. degree of displacement and , esp. degree of displacement and
detection of subtle sacral fracturesdetection of subtle sacral fractures
–– Coronal & Coronal & saggitalsaggital reconstructions for specific positional reconstructions for specific positional
relationshipsrelationships
–– Artifact reduction protocol for evaluations Artifact reduction protocol for evaluations s/ps/p ORIFORIF
–– Sensitive for detection of hematoma, organ injuries Sensitive for detection of hematoma, organ injuries
ArterogramArterogram –– Detection and Detection and embolizationembolization of active bleedsof active bleeds
CT CT