Pattern Of Pelvic Trauma As Shown By Various Imaging Modalities In Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Prospective study was carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital and the Aga Khan Hospital-Nairobi for eight months, to establish the pattern of pelvic injuries and possible associated soft tissues injuries as shown by various imaging modalities in Nairobi - Kenya. One hundred and eighty nine patients were studied. The study group included one thirty six (72.0%) males and fifty-three (28.0%) females: The age distribution was from 0 - 80+ years and this followed a normal distribution curve. The most frequent pelvic fractures were the fractures of ischiopubic rami, ninety-seven (51.3%) followed by acetabulum fractures, sixty-four (33.9%). Among the patients with pelvic fractures, six (3.2%) had ruptured urinary bladder and twenty-four (12.7%) had ruptured urethra. Of all patients seen, 12.2% had normal results in plain pelvic radiographs and CT Scans. The most common imaging modality used was plain radiography, one , eighty-six (98.4%). In twenty-six (13.8%) patients both CT Scan and plain radiography were used to establish the diagnosis. The most common cause of pelvic injuries were Road Traffic Accident, one fifty three (80.9 %) followed by fall from height, twenty-three (12.2%) and other causes like gunshots, assault, and rape added up to thirteen (6.9%).