CLASSIFICATION OF PELVIC INJURIES

Most classifications are cumbersome and difficult to remember

A descriptive approach is best
Severity is based on intactness (or lack thereof) of the posterior elements and degree of displacement
Complete disruption of the anterior/posterior elements allows vertical displacement
In order of severity: Vertical shear > AP compression (Open book) > Lateral compression

Bilateral injuries to the ring are more severe

N.B. Bilateral pubic rami # (staddle #) may bleed significantly from bony surfaces even though the posterior elements are intact

TILE CLASSIFICATION Classification by severity

A Isolated #, B rotational instability, C- vertical instability

Tile A Isolated fracture

Avulsion #	Rami #	Sacral #
Tile B Ring # with rotational instability

Open book, A-P compression	Lateral compression	Bilateral
Tile C Ring # with vertical instability

Unilateral	With unilateral rotational injury	Bilateral

YOUNG-BURGESS CLASSIFICATION Classification by mechanism

A Lateral compression, B AP compression, C Vertical shear

Y-B A Lateral compression # - Squashed from the side

Minor posterior element	Major posterior element	With contralateral injury
Y-B B AP Compression Squashed from the front

No posterior element	Minor posterior element	Major posterior element
Y-B C Vertical shear Pushed up from below