Investigation of indications and findings of pelvic radiography in patients with blunt trauma referred to the emergency department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan in 2020

Pelvic fractures may be associated with bleeding, shock, and increased mortality and its correct diagnosis is necessary. Radiology plays an important role in the initial evaluation of trauma patients. This study aimed to evaluate the indications and findings of pelvic radiography in patients with blunt trauma referred to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan.

In this descriptive retrospective study, radiologic information of 292 Patients with blunt trauma who referred to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan during 2020, including number of pelvic radiographies, indications for pelvic radiography and CT Scanning, and service that requesting radiography were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS - 22.

The majority of (58.6%) patients were men. The most common cause of trauma was falling (61.0%). About 88% of patients had two or more pelvic radiography. Pelvic tenderness was the most prevalent indication for radiography and intertrochanteric fracture was the most common type of pelvic fracture (38%). 26% of patients had additional CT Scan besides their radiography, in which there was an agreement between the radiographic and CT scan findings (Kappa = 0.769).

Falling is the most common cause of pelvic trauma and tenderness is the most prevalent indication for pelvic radiography. According to the request of multiple radiographies by various specialized services, it is necessary to designate and implement a single protocol for imaging requests in trauma patients in order to reduce the treatment costs and avoid high doses of radiation, as well as modifying the recent disorganized process in the emergency room.