Kaan Yücel M.D., Ph.D. 14.January.2014 Tuesday

Sexual differences are related mainly 1.Heavier build and larger muscles of most men 2.Adaptation of the pelvis (particularly the lesser pelvis) in women for parturition (childbearing). The difference between the male and female pelvis Difference Between Male & Female Pelvis

41% of women male or funnel-shaped pelvis with a contracted outlet long, narrow, and oval shaped wide pelvis 2% of women

 In forensic medicine (the application of medical and anatomical knowledge for the purposes of law), identification of human skeletal remains usually involves the diagnosis of sex.  A prime focus of attention is the pelvic girdle because sexual differences usually are clearly visible.  Even fragments of the pelvic girdle are useful in determining sex.

FeatureMale pelvisFemale pelvis General Structure Thick & Heavy Thin & Light Greater pelvis Deep Shallow Lesser pelvis Narrow and deep, tapering Wide and shallow, cylindirical Pelvic inletHeart-shaped, narrowOval and rounded, wide Pelvic outletComparatively smallComparatively large Ischial spines Project further medially into the pelvic cavity Do not project as far medially into the pelvic cavity & smooth

FeatureMale pelvisFemale pelvis Obturator foramen RoundOval AcetabulumLargeSmall Greater schiatic notch Narrow, inverted V (approximately 70 degrees) Almost 90 degrees Subpubic angle Smaller (50-60 degrees) Larger (80-85 degrees) Sacral promontory ProminentNot prominent

Size of the lesser pelvis important in obstetrics Because it is the bony canal through which the fetus passes during a vaginal birth. To determine the capacity of the female pelvis for childbearing, diameters of the lesser pelvis are noted radiographically or manually during a pelvic examination.

Anatomical antero-posterior diameter Anatomical antero-posterior diameter 11cm from tip of the coccyx to lower border of symphysis pubis Obstetric antero-posterior diameter Obstetric antero-posterior diameter 13 cm from tip of the sacrum to lower border of symphysis pubis as the coccyx moves backwards during the second stage of labour. Diameters of pelvic outlet Antero - posterior diameters

Bituberous diameter Bituberous diameter 11 cm between inner aspects of ischial tuberosities Bispinous diameter Bispinous diameter 10.5 cm tips of ischial spines between tips of ischial spines Diameters of pelvic outlet Transverse diameters

Anatomical antero-posterior diameter True conjugate 11cm from tip of sacral promontory to upper border of symphysis pubis Diameters of pelvic inlet Antero - posterior diameters

Obstetric conjugate 10.5 cm from tip of sacral promontory to the most bulging point on back of symphysis pubis,about 1 cm below its upper border. shortest antero-posterior diameter Diameters of pelvic inlet Antero - posterior diameters

Diagonal conjugate 12.5 cm 1.5 cm longer than the true conjugate From tip of sacral promontory to lower border of symphysis pubis Diameters of pelvic inlet Antero - posterior diameters

Minimum anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the lesser pelvis True (obstetrical) conjugate Narrowest distance through which the baby's head must pass in a vaginal delivery. This distance, however, cannot be measured directly during a pelvic examination because of the presence of the bladder.

Diagonal conjugate (from inferior pubic lig. to promontory) sacral promontory inferior margin of the pubic symphysis Measured by palpating sacral promontory with the tip of the middle finger, using the other hand to mark the level of the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis on the examining hand. After the examining hand is withdrawn, the distance between the tip of the index finger (1.5 cm shorter than the middle finger) and the marked level of the pubic symphysis is measured to estimate the true conjugate, which should be 11.0 cm or greater.

Transverse diameter Transverse diameter is the greatest distance between the linea terminalis on either side of the pelvis.

 Anteroposterior compression of the pelvis occurs during crush accidents (as when a heavy object falls on the pelvis).  This type of trauma commonly produces fractures of the pubic rami.  When the pelvis is compressed laterally, the acetabula and ilia are squeezed toward each other and may be broken.

Fractures of the bony pelvic ring are almost always multiple fractures or a fracture combined with a joint dislocation. Pelvic fractures can result from direct trauma to the pelvic bones, such as occurs during an automobile accident, or be caused by forces transmitted to these bones from the lower limbs during falls on the feet.

Weak areas of the pelvis, where fractures often occur: Pubic rami Acetabula Region of the sacroiliac joints Alae of the ilium 25 Year Old Male with displaced fracture of the sacrum and symphysis pubis. The most severe pelvic fractures separate the two sides of the pelvis from each other.

Pelvic fractures may cause injury to pelvic soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Fractures in the pubo-obturator area are relatively common and are often complicated because of their relationship to the urinary bladder and urethra, which may be ruptured or torn.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) Pregnancy Gout Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriasis Ankylosing spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) Pregnancy Gout Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriasis Ankylosing spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis X -ray of the sacroiliac joints showing joint space narrowing, erosive change and indistinct margins, due to sacroiliitis