Article Sections

Introduction

Pelvic fractures range from minor, stable fractures to severe, life-threatening injuries involving complete disruption of the bony pelvic ring.  Severe pelvic fractures most often result from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle collisions, and are frequently associated with pelvic organ and vascular injuries (eg, hemorrhage).  Low-energy trauma (eg, fall from standing) may cause pelvic fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones (ie, fragility fractures), but these are typically stable fractures with a lower risk for complications.

Anatomy

The pelvis is a stable, rigid ring of bones that includes the sacrum, coccyx, and hip bones (ie, ilium, ischium, and pubis) ( Figure 1).  The strength of the pelvic ring is maintained by multiple ligaments, including the symphyseal ligaments that stabilize the anterior pubic symphysis and the posterior sacroiliac ligaments that stabilize the posterior pelvic ring.

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