TRAUMA.ORG : Pelvis : Exsanguinating pelvic trauma

Exsanguinating Pelvic Trauma

Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST)

Pelvis

Demonstration Video courtesy Grace Rozycki, MD FACS and B & K Medical.

The pelvic examination visualizes the pouch of douglas - the most dependent portion of the lower abdomen and hence where fluid will collect.

The transducer is oriented for coronal sections and is placed midline approximately 4 cm superior to the symphysis pubis.


NORMAL The normal coronal section demonstrates the full bladder as a hypoechoic structure.	ABNORMAL A foley balloon is visible within the bladder; blood is seen on either side of the bladder.