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PELVIS

The pelvis is a ring like structure of bones at the lower end of the trunk.  The two sides are three bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis) that grow together as people age.  Many digestive and reproductive organs are located within the pelvis.  Large nerves and blood vessels to the legs pass through it. 

Pelvic Fracture (Broken Pelvis)
is mostly caused by high-energy forces such as a car accident, crush accident, or fall.  This can be life threatening due to extensive bleeding that may be difficult to stop.  Pelvic fracture may be associated with urethral injury, ureteral injury or bladder injury. 

Ureteral Injury
is usually due to penetrating trauma.  Ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.  Sometimes there can be no physical findings.  A urine sample will usually show the presence of blood and a special x-ray may also show the injury.  The treatment is surgical. 

Urethral Tear
is usually due to a fractured pelvis.  The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body.  To diagnose this, special x-rays will be ordered.  The treatment is decided by the urologist. 

Bladder Rupture
is usually caused by a pelvic fracture.  This may cause blood to be visible at the tip of the penis (urethral meatus) or at a opening near the vagina (urethral meatus).   The patient will also complain of lower abdominal pain.  The treatment is conservative or surgical, depending on the extent of the injury.