Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ATLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

The manifestation of limb length discrepancy in pelvic injuries is prominently identified as rotational deformity. When there is a pelvic injury, it can disrupt the normal anatomy and alignment. As a result, one leg may appear shorter than the other. This is often accompanied by a rotational deformity, where the injured limb is either externally or internally rotated. The biomechanics change when pelvic integrity is compromised, leading to notable differences in limb positioning and an observable rotation of the lower extremities.

Understanding that rotational deformity occurs frequently due to the anatomical shifts in the pelvis helps in assessing injury severity and planning for appropriate interventions. Other options, while relevant to different aspects of trauma or physiological responses, do not specifically relate to the limb length discrepancy associated with pelvic injuries. Muscle tone increase might be seen in neurological injuries, decreased heart rate is not a direct outcome of pelvic injuries, and persistent abdominal pain may indicate intra-abdominal issues rather than a direct result of limb discrepancy. Thus, recognizing rotational deformity as a key manifestation highlights the importance of thorough examination in pelvic trauma cases.