[The anatomy, radiology and clinical features of fractures of the sacrum (author's transl)].

In the presence of multiple injuries, 30% of fractures of the sacrum are missed on the first examination. The clinical features are non-specific and are often obscured by other injuries. Interruption or displacement of contrast lines on the A. P. view, if bilateral, are definite evidence of a fracture. In evaluating films of the sacrum it is therefore recommended that these lines be examined carefully. Such changes were found in two thirds of longitudinal and one third of horizontal fractures. Special attention should also be paid to the lateral and cranial articular processes, since these are areas of weakness in the pelvis and are predisposed to fracture.