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Pelvic Ring Fractures - Low Energy

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Edited by Cameron Egan and Jeffrey “Spud” Olson - 7/1/2021

Descriptors

Considered stable injuries Oblique or transverse ramuse fracture with ipsilateral (normally) anterior sacral ala compression fracture (Lateral compression type 1) - most common* Symphysis widening <2.5cm (Anterior posterior compression type 1)

Exam Pearls

Lower extremity neurovascular exam

Gentle rotational force on each iliac crest - low sensitivity for instability

Workup

Radiographs: AP pelvis

Other imaging: CT pelvis (consider CT angio if concern for vascular injury)

Labs: Not usually indicated unless hemodynamically unstable

Other: None

Management

Need for acute intervention: None usually indicated. Stable injury pattern.

Weight-bearing and range of motion: WBAT and ROMAT - normally with bilateral upper extremity support

Type of immobilization: None

Admission or discharge status: Admit to ED observation for PT evaluation

Anticoagulation: Consider Lovenox 40mg daily x28 days

Antibiotics: None

Surgical Indications

Absolute: None

Relative: Very few indications. Some consider fixing very displaced rami fractures in women of childbearing age.

Not an indication: Pain