Small Bowel Obstruction Secondary to Entrapment in a Minimally Displaced Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a unique case of bowel entrapment within a minimally displaced acetabular fracture. Our patient was injured after a fall from height. He was able to walk with minimal pain, and presented to hospital the following day for symptoms consistent with bowel obstruction. Imaging demonstrated a transition point at the fracture site. He was taken for emergency surgical decompression, bowel repair, and irrigation of his hip.

CONCLUSIONS

Bowel entrapment within a pelvic fracture is rare. Our case illustrates the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion, despite fracture displacement, to allow early diagnosis and appropriate management.