Limitations of radiography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of transverse sacral fracture from a high fall. A case report.

Abstract

Transverse sacral fractures with sacral canal compression and neurologic deficit are rare sequelae of high falls. Nevertheless, a high index of suspicion is necessary as such an injury may present significant complications and may be missed on standard anteroposterior pelvic roentgenograms and pelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations obtained during the evaluation of multiple traumas. The saddle anesthesia, loss of bladder and sphincter function, and sexual dysfunction may be masked or unrecognized during the acute phase of polytrauma. Special attention must be directed to obtaining a lateral profile view of the sacrum, as this deformity may not be seen in any other view. Sagittal reconstruction images of the sacrum can be obtained during a pelvic CT examination if the initial lateral roentgenograms are technically inadequate because of the patient's obesity or limitations of portable radiographic equipment in the emergency department. The CT scoutview itself may show the acute sacral angulation if sufficient technique factors are employed. The roentgenographic suspicions can be confirmed with lateral multidirectional tomography or even with sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because this transverse sacral fracture is unstable in flexion, additional neurologic injury may result if the spine or hips are unwittingly manipulated in flexion.