Skip to main content
Log in

Lateral compression fractures of the pelvis: The importance of plain radiographs in the diagnosis and surgical management

  • Articles
  • Published:
Skeletal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The management of pelvic fractures varies according to the nature of the disruptive force and hence the type of injury. Stabilization with compression devices or slings, which may be warranted in some injuries are contraindicated in lateral compression fractures due to the exacerbation of pelvic collapse they will induce. The diagnosis of this type of fracture is therefore of the utmost importance, and yet is frequently missed due largely to ignorance of this type of injury and its significance. Despite mention of this entity in surgical publications, there is a paucity of information in the radiologic literature, and no definitive radiologic appearances have been described. Forty-three patients with lateral compression fractures admitted to the Shock Trauma Unit of the University of Maryland were studied, and the radiologic features, together with diagnostic signs specific to this injury are presented.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bucholz RW (1981) The pathological anatomy of Malgaigne fracture dislocations of the pelvis. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 63:400

    Google Scholar 

  2. Carobolora P, Rabinchong P, Bonnel F, Percuchon E, Pergunet F (1973) Apports des fixateurs externes dans les disjonction du pubis et de l'articulation sacroiliaque. Montpell Chir 29:61

    Google Scholar 

  3. Gertzbein SD, Chenoweth DR (1977) Occult injuries of the pelvic ring. Clin Orthop 128:202

    Google Scholar 

  4. Holdsworth FW (1972) Dislocation and fracture dislocation of the pelvis. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 30:461

    Google Scholar 

  5. Karokarju EO, Slatis P (1978) External fixation of double vertical fractures with a trapezoid compression frame. Injury 10:142

    Google Scholar 

  6. Kinzli L, Burri R, Coldlweg J (1980) Fractures of the pelvis and associated intrapelvic injuries. Injury 14:63–69

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mears DC, Freddie HF (1980) Modern concepts of external skeletal fixation of the pelvis. Clin Orthop 151:65

    Google Scholar 

  8. Muller J, Bachmaun B, Berg H (1978) Malgaine fracture of the pelvis, treatment with percutaneous pin fixation. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 60:992

    Google Scholar 

  9. Peltier LF (1965) Complications associated with fractures of the pelvis. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 47:1060

    Google Scholar 

  10. Pennal GF, Tile M, Waddell JP, Garside H (1980) Pelvic disruption: Assessment and classification. Clin Orthop 151:12

    Google Scholar 

  11. Sarkar des Sarkar (1976) Unstable hemipelvic fractures with internal rotation displacement. J Trauma 16:402

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sharp K (1973) Plate fixation of disrupted symphysis pelvis. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 55:618

    Google Scholar 

  13. Slatis P, Karakarju EO (1980) External fixation of unstable pelvic fractures. Clin Orthop 151:73

    Google Scholar 

  14. Tile M (1984) Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum. Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore, p 28

    Google Scholar 

  15. Tile M (1984) Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum. Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore London, p 43

    Google Scholar 

  16. Tile M (1984) Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum. Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore London, pp 49, 110

    Google Scholar 

  17. Tile M, Pennal GF (1980) Pelvic disruption. Clin Orthop 151:56

    Google Scholar 

  18. Trunkey, DD, Chapman MW, Lim RC, Dunphy JE (1976) Management of pelvic fractures in blunt trauma injury. J Traum 14:912

    Google Scholar 

  19. Whiston G (1953) Internal fixation for fractures and dislocations of the pelvis. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 35:701

    Google Scholar 

  20. Wild JJ, Hanson GW, Tullos HS (1982) Unstable fractures of the pelvis treated by external fixation. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 64:1010

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Young, J.W.R., Burgess, A.R., Brumback, R.J. et al. Lateral compression fractures of the pelvis: The importance of plain radiographs in the diagnosis and surgical management. Skeletal Radiol 15, 103–109 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350202

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350202

Key words

Navigation