Lower abdominal or pubic area pain will usually be present. For patients with blood at the urethral opening, make the diagnosis by retrograde urethrogram. The contrast media enters the bladder then exits through the rupture. Patients who present without external signs will have minimal bloody urine exit via the foley catheter. If bladder injury is suspected, perform cystogram via the foley.
Urologic consultation is required.
This injury may be managed surgically, or conservatively, depending on the location and severity of the injury. 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.