Pelvis and perineum

Question 1

Common pelvic fracture sites? complications?

Answer 1

Sacroiliac joint, rami symphysis, ala of ilium and acetabulum. Complications include severe bleeding, internal organ damage and infection

Question 2

what is Symphysial diastasis

Answer 2

separation of joint without a fracture. Happens during vaginal birth

Question 3

Clinical significance of iliac crest?

Answer 3

Found at L4, used for lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsy taken from here also

Question 4

Clinical significance of L5/S1 angle?

Answer 4

Help transfer load from spine into the pelvis and legs

Question 5

Spondylolysis

Answer 5

fracture of pars interarticularis, L5 vertebra susceptible to this, if fractures on both sides’ vertebra may slip over S1- condition then called spondylolisthesis

Question 6

Damage to levator ani muscle nerves?

Answer 6

Nerve arises from S3-4, damage leads to weakness of pelvic floor

Question 7

Clinical significance of perineal body?

Answer 7

Stretching/tearing of perineal body during childbirth

Question 8

what is an Episiotomy?

Answer 8

cut through perineum to make vaginal opening larger for childbirth

Question 9

Caudal block aim to anaesthetise which structure?

Answer 9

Into sacral hiatus to anaesthetise lower sacral nerves (S1-5)

Question 10

Shoulder dystocia?

Answer 10

Shoulder gets caught behind the pubic bone, foetal head is out but thorax is getting compressed, so foetus can’t breathe