Electromyographic abnormalities in neurologic injury associated with pelvic fracture: case reports and literature review

Abstract

The incidence of neurologic injury associated with pelvic fractures is estimated at 10%. Studies have demonstrated that patients with double vertical pelvic fractures (combined injury to the anterior third of the pelvic ring and the sacroiliac area) are most at risk, with a 46% incidence of neurologic injury. Patients with pelvic fractures usually have many other associated injuries and medical complications, making the patients' neurologic deficits difficult to assess and thus easy to overlook in the acute setting. Three such patients are described. Electromyography was useful in confirming their diagnoses, thus allowing appropriate management.