Module 18, General Medical Level

1,2

A 16 year old female was previously in good health when she was involved in a roll-over motor vehicle accident as an unrestrained passenger. She was ejected from the vehicle and landed in a field. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital complaining of pain in the pelvis. An xray of her pelvis was obltained (image 1), Obturator and iliac oblique(image 2).

Question 18A

When this girl presented to the emergency room she was evaluated and found to be stable from respiratory and cardiovascular perspectives. X-rays of the pelvis show the above fracture. The next step should be to do a very careful evaluation to rule out any fractures in other areas.

Question 18B

Although this girl has a stable blood pressure, a blood clott should be send for type and cross match.

Question 18C

Fractures of the pelvis may be a life threatening injury.

Question 18D

Pelvis and acetabular fractures in children are frequently isolated injuries.

Question 18E

Pelvic fractures which involve the acetabulum are generally worse for acute survival of the patient, than those that do not involve the acetabulum.