Predictors of Pelvic Fractures in Pediatric Blunt Trauma

Absence of lower-extremity injury, abnormal pelvic exam, or need for abdominopelvic computed tomography identified patients who might forgo pelvic imaging.

To identify predictors of low pelvic fracture risk in pediatric trauma patients, investigators retrospectively evaluated clinical and historical findings in patients younger than 25 years with blunt trauma who underwent pelvic radiography at an urban level I trauma center from 2002 to 2006. Of 579 patients, 9% were aged 1–8 years, 24% were aged 9–17 years, and 67% were aged 18–25 years. Overall, 22 patients (4%) had pelvic fractures, of whom 21 underwent computed tomography (CT).

Significant predictors of pelvic fracture were lower-extremity injury (positive likelihood ratio [+LR], 1.9; sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 61%), abnormal examination of the bony pelvis (+LR, 11.3; sensitivity, 77%; specificity, 93%), and clinical need for abdominop…

Reviewing Author

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)