Unusual Case of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect

Author ORCID Identifier

00009-0005-4019-5214

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Urinary bladder ruptures are an uncommon injury, occurring in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures are generally associated with pelvic fractures and usually managed nonoperatively but open surgery is required when these injuries are associated with additional trauma to structures like prostate and urethra.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report our experience with a 32-year-old male who suffered a head on collision with a four-wheeler while driving a two-wheeler in a road traffic accident. He presented to the hospital with abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty in passing urine and swelling of the scrotum. His X Ray revealed an APC type 2 pelvic ring fracture and pelvic diastasis and his Computed Tomography scan showed an extraperitoneal urinary bladder, prostate and urethra rupture. While performing an exploratory laparotomy, a rupture in the anterior bladder wall was seen. Two Bladder wall and prostate were repaired by approximation of tissues and suturing. A pelvic binder was placed to treat pubic diastasis after which the patient was discharged.

DISCUSSION

We have presented a case of a pelvic ring fracture, pubic diastasis, with extraperitoneal urinary bladder rupture, prostate and prostatic urethral injury. Any patient presenting with pelvic fracture and urinary bladder rupture should be evaluated further for associated injuries of structures like prostate and urethra.

CONCLUSION

This is significant because pubic diastasis cases reported till now are not usually caused post road traffic accidents, they are caused during vaginal deliveries. This case also showed an unusually speedy recovery even though the injuries were extensive.

Publication Date

2026

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

None

Keywords

Pelvic fracture, Urinary bladder, Prostate, Urethra, Rupture

Word Count

2151

Recommended Citation

Pragya V, Rudramurthy M, G SM. Unusual Case of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2026; 8(2): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1307