To assess pelvic instability, you first apply gentle pressure over the iliac crests downward and medially. If the iliac crests are stable, what should you apply pressure on next?

• A. Symphysis Pubis
• B. Iliac Crest
• C. Sacrum
• D. Ischium

Answer: (A)

Pelvic stability is tested by checking the anterior and posterior elements of the pelvic ring in sequence. After confirming that the iliac crests are stable, the next step is to stress the anterior portion of the ring by applying pressure to the pubic symphysis. This targets potential diastasis or instability at the front of the pelvic ring, which would indicate an anterior pelvic injury. Pressing the sacrum or ischium isn’t the next step in this sequence because they relate to other aspects of stability, and repeating pressure on the iliac crests doesn’t assess the anterior ring. So, the correct next move is to apply pressure on the pubic symphysis.