Pelvic Trauma and Types Part 3

Signs and symptoms:

As with many of the other injuries, the clinician will need to utilise several factors to determine whether a pelvic injury has occurred and to what severity. Considering the MOI and surrounding factors, and if the patient has any risk factors such as advanced age, the clinician can consider what injuries may have occurred. More obvious signs and symptoms for pelvic injury include:

  • Wounds or open fractures of the pelvis
  • Pain in the pelvic area
  • Any bruising, swelling present
  • Deformities of the structure of the pelvis
  • One leg shorter than the other
  • Bleeding from the urethra, vagina, and/or anus
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Sensation/nerve damage
  • The patient guarding the area or explaining an unusual feeling
  • Further significant trauma to the lower limbs such as a fractured femur
  • Signs of hypovolaemic shock