Fracturas de la pelvis: el papel del radiólogo.

Abstract

Objective: Elaborate a literature review with recent papers about the radiologist’s role in the pelvic fractures and it complications. Methods: After performing a bibliographical search for the subject, the Medline database retrieved a total of 19 papers with the searching criteria selected. The range period goes from 2005 to 2015. This literature review has been completed with papers from other sources after an indirect search. Results: The reviewed articles point out the high prevalence, the diverse populations groups it affects and the significant morbidity and mortality associated with pelvic ring fractures. The articles focus in the initial management and the correct diagnosis of the injury, emphasizing the image techniques. It should be noted the necessity of using a classification system of the pelvic fractures that allows the orthopedic surgeon to perform a correct treatment. Currently, the most accepted are the Young-Burgess and Tile classifications, based on force vectors. Conclusion: The pelvic fractures are common in polytrauma, and nowadays they continue to be a challenge for clinicians. The image studies, being the plain film and the TCMD the most important techniques, are fundamental to the correct diagnosis the fractures. An efficient diagnosis is fundamental for the correct treatment of the injuries by the surgeon. Therefore, the specialist in Radiodiagnosis must know and manage the different classifications of the pelvic fractures, and the diverse associated injuries they could produce.