Classification
Tile
| Type | Description | Subtypes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Stable pelvic ring injury | A1 avulsion of ilium A2 stable iliac wing fracture or stable minimally displaced ring fractures A3 transverse fractures of sacrum & coccyx |
| B | Partially stable, rotationally unstable, vertically stable | B1 open book (external rotation with disrupted pubic symphysis). Stage 1 < 2.5cm, no posterior injury. Stage 2 >2.5cm, SS & ST ligaments disrupted. Stage 3 as above, bilateral B2 lateral compression, ipsilateral anterior & posterior fracture B3 lateral compression, contralateral anterior & posterior fracture (bucket-handle) |
| C | Unstable, disruption of SIJ/ SS & ST ligs/ pelvic floor | C1 unilateral C2 bilateral C3 associated with acetabular fracture |
Original publication Tile M. Pelvic ring fractures: should they be fixed? J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1988;70(1):1-12.
Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.