Pelvis x-ray (summary)

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This is a basic article for medical students and other non-radiologists

A pelvis x-ray, also known as a pelvis series or pelvis radiograph, is a single x-ray of the pelvis to include the iliac crests and pubic symphysis. It allows assessment of general pelvic pathology, the sacrum, some of the lower lumbar vertebra and the proximal femora.

Reference article

This is a summary article. For more information, you can read a more in-depth reference article: pelvis series.

Summary

  • indications
    • pelvic trauma
    • suspicion of pelvic injury
    • assessment of hip pain (consider hip series)
  • procedure
    • AP radiograph, usually supine
    • includes the iliac crests, pubic symphysis and both proximal femora
  • similar tests
    • hip x-ray
      • pelvic series + lateral/oblique view of the hip
    • inlet and outlet view 
      • utilized for investigating narrowing or widening of the pelvic rim.
      • can be used to assess anterior-posterior displacement of pubic rami fractures
    • Judet views
      • specialized views of the acetabular columns 
  • important pathology
Medical student radiology curriculum