In the Young-Burgess classification of pelvic ring injuries, an Anteroposterior Compression (APC) Type III injury is characterized by:

• A Pubic rami fractures only, posterior ligaments intact — 'bucket handle' pattern
• B Complete disruption of anterior AND posterior sacroiliac, sacrospinous, and sacrotuberous ligaments with complete hemipelvis instability ✓
• C Symphysis diastasis <2.5 cm with anterior SI joint stretching only
• D Lateral compression with ipsilateral anterior pubic rami fractures and sacral compression fracture

Explanation

In the Young-Burgess classification: APC-I = symphysis diastasis <2.5 cm, anterior SI ligament stretch. APC-II = symphysis diastasis >2.5 cm with anterior SI joint opening, posterior SI ligaments intact (external rotation deformity but rotationally unstable, vertically stable). APC-III = complete disruption of all ligamentous structures (anterior + posterior SI, sacrospinous, sacrotuberous ligaments), rendering the hemipelvis completely rotationally AND vertically unstable — associated with the highest hemorrhage risk and mortality. The bucket-handle pattern is LC-III.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.