Are pelvic radiographs needed in assault victims?

To determine the incidence of acute pelvic fractures in patients with a history of being assaulted. Retrospective review by two musculoskeletal radiologists of 357 consecutive patients in a 12-month period, (308 males, 49 females). Two hundred seventy-six patients also had pelvic CT scans done at the same time. There were no acute pelvic fractures in this group. One patient had a 12th rib fracture and two other patients had a total of three lumbar spine transverse process fractures at the L1, L2, and L5 levels. Pelvic radiographs are not needed as part of standard protocols for patients who present with a history of being assaulted.