The Advantages of Computed Tomogram in Diagnosis of Pelvic Fracture

Kim, Sung Jae; Kim, Yoo Taek

Abstract

Computed tomography is helpful in delineating the extent and configuration of pelvic fracture. These injuries are frequently complex, and the precise pathologic anatomy is not easily demonstrated by conventional radiographs. In some case CT will reveal a fracture which may not be seen on the radiograph. In addition, the extent of soft tissue damage and joint involvement is precisely demonstrated with CT. The twenty-three patients admitted to our Inchon Christian Hospital with pelvic fracture with or without hip dislocation from October 1981 to October 1984. We could assess the applicability of C-T scan in pelvic fracture and the following conclusions were obtained. 1. The axial plane of CT was shown to be the most suitable for evaluation of pelvic fracture. 2. C-T could detect the pattern of hip fracture including degree of fracture fragment displacement, and rotation, hip joint stability, intra-articular osseous fragment and interposed soft tissues in hip joint. 2. C-T permitted better evaluation of associated injuries in soft tissue and viscera on the pelvic and retroperitoneal cavity, and also gave information about other associate fractures. 4. C-T was more sensitive than plain radiography in detecting fracture involving the sacrum, quadrilateral surface, acetabular roof, and posterior acetabular hip.