Pelvic Fractures

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California Davis

Publication Date: 2009-05-20

History

12 year old male neutered Jack Russell terrier hit by car earlier today. No palpable bladder.

3 images

   
   

Question

  1. What abnormalities are visible on the plain lateral radiograph?

    Fractured sacrum
    Correct
    Fractured pelvis
    Correct
    Fractured lumbar spine
    No fractures are visible
    Avulsion of the prepubic tendon
    Likely, given the bone fragment cranial to the pelvis

Findings

There are multiple pelvic fractures including the right acetabulum, bilateral ischium, pubis. The left coxofemoral joint and right sacroiliac joint are luxated.

A cystourethrogram was performed to evaluate the position and integrity of the urethra and bladder. Contrast material was injected into the urethra. There is no evidence of leakage of the contrast material from the urethra or urinary bladder. It seems that the urinary bladder is located inside the abdomen. The cranioventral portion of the bladder seems to be in a ventral position compared to its normal anatomical position.

Diagnosis