Locked book pubic symphysis: A case report in a resource-limited setting in sub-Sahara Africa

INTRODUCTION: Locked pubic symphysis is a rare but serious injury that occurs by lateral compression mechanism. It is an overlapping pubic symphysis dislocation, with one pubic bone entrapped behind the contralateral pubis, locked into the contralateral obturator foramen. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 25 years old male who presented with acute urine retention following a left lateral compression pelvic trauma by a motor vehicle and was diagnosed with a locked pubic symphysis treated successfully by open reduction and combined internal and external fixation. CONCLUSION: Locked pelvic symphysis is a rare form of pelvic injury. The majority of cases require stabilization by open reduction and internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring. Urogenital injuries are the commonest associated injuries, despite unfavourable mechanism.