Trauma to the pelvis: urethral injury

Author summary

The possibility and the degree of posterior urethral rupture must be investigated in cases of pelvic fractures, with the aim of minimizing the very serious consequences of stricture, impotence, and incontinence. Because clinical signs may be misleading, diagnosis and treatment needs to be based on accurate visualization of the urethra, which can be accomplished in most medical situations via dynamic retrograde urethrography (DRU). This technique reveals whether there is an intact but perhaps damaged urethra, or a partial or complete rupture. Accurate assessment then allows the medical team to decide on presurgical treatment, catheter placement, and the timing of surgical repair.