Which organ is at the greatest risk for injury due to a pelvic fracture?

Which organ is at the greatest risk for injury due to a pelvic fracture?

• A. Urinary bladder.
• B. Liver or spleen.
• C. Fallopian tubes.
• D. Pancreas.

Answer: (A)

The urinary bladder is at the greatest risk for injury due to a pelvic fracture because of its anatomical location and the nature of pelvic trauma. When a fracture occurs in the pelvic region, it can lead to significant displacement or disruption of the bony structures, which may result in blunt force trauma to the bladder. Given that the bladder is located in the pelvis, it is more vulnerable to injuries from fractures that occur in this area, especially if the bladder is distended with urine at the time of injury. Injuries to the urinary bladder can lead to complications such as urine leakage into the pelvic cavity, which can cause serious infections or irritation of other pelvic organs. It is essential for emergency medical technicians to be aware of this risk when assessing a patient with a suspected pelvic fracture. In contrast, the liver and spleen are located in the upper abdomen and while they can incur injury from blunt trauma in general, they are not specifically at heightened risk from pelvic fractures. The fallopian tubes, being part of the female reproductive system, are not typically at direct risk during pelvic fractures either. The pancreas shares the risk factors more associated with upper abdominal injuries rather than those from the pelvis, making the urinary bladder the most susceptible organ in the context of pelvic fractures.

The urinary bladder is at the greatest risk for injury due to a pelvic fracture because of its anatomical location and the nature of pelvic trauma. When a fracture occurs in the pelvic region, it can lead to significant displacement or disruption of the bony structures, which may result in blunt force trauma to the bladder. Given that the bladder is located in the pelvis, it is more vulnerable to injuries from fractures that occur in this area, especially if the bladder is distended with urine at the time of injury.

Injuries to the urinary bladder can lead to complications such as urine leakage into the pelvic cavity, which can cause serious infections or irritation of other pelvic organs. It is essential for emergency medical technicians to be aware of this risk when assessing a patient with a suspected pelvic fracture.

In contrast, the liver and spleen are located in the upper abdomen and while they can incur injury from blunt trauma in general, they are not specifically at heightened risk from pelvic fractures. The fallopian tubes, being part of the female reproductive system, are not typically at direct risk during pelvic fractures either. The pancreas shares the risk factors more associated with upper abdominal injuries rather than those from the pelvis, making the urinary bladder the most susceptible organ in the context of pelvic fractures.