Which radiographic view is commonly included with trauma pelvis imaging to provide a frontal view of the pelvis?

• A. Lateral pelvis
• B. AP pelvis
• C. Oblique pelvis
• D. PA pelvis

Answer: (B)

In trauma imaging, you want a quick, reliable frontal view that shows the entire pelvic ring and both hip joints so fractures or dislocations can be identified right away. The AP pelvis projection provides this straight-on view, covering the ilia, sacrum, pubic rami, and acetabula in one image. It’s typically performed with the patient supine and the legs rotated slightly inward so the femoral necks are visible and image magnification is minimized, which helps in accurate assessment and comparison between sides. This frontal view is standard because it can be obtained rapidly, is feasible with unstable patients, and offers the clearest overall depiction of pelvic alignment. The other options deliver side or rotated views that aren’t used when the goal is an uncomplicated, comprehensive frontal assessment of the pelvis.