American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which potential injury is associated with a pelvic fracture?

1. Bladder and urethra injury

2. Kidney injury

3. Colon perforation

4. Vascular injury

The correct answer is: Bladder and urethra injury

Pelvic fractures are commonly associated with injuries to the bladder and urethra due to the proximity of these structures to the pelvis. The anatomy of the pelvis supports various organs, and a significant force or trauma that causes a fracture can also lead to disruption or laceration of the bladder or urethra, resulting in complications such as extravasation of urine or urinary retention. Injuries to the bladder may particularly occur in cases of unstable pelvic fractures, where there is a high likelihood of intrusion or sharp bone edges penetrating the bladder wall. Additionally, the events surrounding a pelvic fracture often involve mechanisms, such as severe impact or fall, that can cause direct trauma to these genitourinary organs. While other injuries to adjacent structures like the kidneys, colon, or vascular system may happen, they are less commonly tied directly to pelvic fractures compared to bladder and urethra injuries. The anatomical relationships and common patterns of trauma make bladder and urethra injuries the most significant concern in the context of pelvic fractures.