Pelvic injuries in child abuse.

Three cases of child abuse are described in which pelvic injuries were prominent findings on radiologic examination: Two patients had pelvic fractures, and one was found to have heterotopic ossification of the soft tissues of the pelvis and thighs corresponding to extensive bruising in the pubic, genital, buttock, and thigh areas, resulting from physical and sexual abuse. These represent uncommon radiographic findings. Skeletal survey in cases of suspected child abuse should include the entire pelvis, and special attention should be paid to the ischiopubic rami the most common site of these rare pelvic injuries.