A 30-year-old motorcyclist is brought in hemodynamically unstable after a high-velocity crush injury. Pelvic X-ray shows a wide pubic symphysis diastasis with disruption of both sacroiliac joints. According to the Young-Burgess classification, this is a:

• A Lateral compression type I (LC-I)
• B Vertical shear pattern
• C Lateral compression type III (LC-III)
• D Anteroposterior compression type III (APC-III) ✓

Explanation

Young-Burgess classification of pelvic ring injuries: APC injuries involve external rotation forces opening the pelvis — APC-I (symphysis diastasis <2.5 cm), APC-II (anterior SI joint disruption + symphysis >2.5 cm), APC-III (complete SI joint disruption, both anterior and posterior complexes, 'open-book' pelvic fracture). APC-III carries the highest risk of internal iliac vessel injury and haemorrhagic shock. LC injuries involve internal rotation; vertical shear results from axial loading. APC-III requires emergent pelvic binder/C-clamp and pelvic packing or angioembolization.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.