Back to Index. Pelvic Fracture Pelvic fracture is a common result of blunt trauma, and is often a source of major hemorrhage. Pelvic fracture may be obvious due to tenderness, crepitance, or hematomas, or it may be relatively silent. A high level of suspicion of pelvic fracture is required, or the injury will be missed. Pelvic x-ray should be obtained on every severely injured patient, regardless of whether external signs of injury are present.
Orthopedic referral is wise for all but the most minor of pelvic fractures.
Initial attention, however, is treatment of hemorrhage and diagnosis of associated injuries. Major hemorrhage may decrease with the application of anti-shock trousers. Careful screening for associated urologic injury is required. Back to Index. Back to Main Manual Index.