Traumatic Injuries of the Organs of the Pelvis: Adult and Pediatric

In this chapter we will review the traumatic injuries of the organs of the pelvis, which will include the urinary bladder, rectum, anal canal, and the internal genital organs.  Although the rectum and anal canal represent the teriminal portions of the gastrointestinal tract, only the rectum lies within the pelvis.  However, for the sake of continuity we will consider the two parts together.

As in previous chapters, the first part of this chapter will be devoted to the relevant anatomy of the pelvis and its contained organs.  As discussed previously, the purpose of a discussion of the relevant anatomy is two fold.  First, it will constitute a review of the anatomy for the medical students, pathology residents, forensic pathology fellows, forensic nurses, emergency room residents, and trauma surgeon residents, aiding them in understanding the pathophysiologic dynamics of traumatic injuries to the pelvis and its contained organs.  Second, since this educational blog may also be used by medicolegal investigators, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys who have little knowledge of anatomy, such a review will help them to develop a better understanding of the effects of trauma on the victims.

There will also be a discussion of the mechanisms of injury to the pelvic cavity and its contained organs.

This chapter contains a discussion of sexual abuse, male and female, adults, children and infants.  Due to the subject matter, the illustrations depicting sexual abuse injuries are graphic by their very nature and some may find difficult to look at.

Traumatic Inuries of the Organs of the Pelvis- Adult and Pediactric

Traumatic Inuries of the Organs of the Pelvis- Adult and Pediactric