Assessment considerations for delivery-related functional limitation in women following pelvic fracture: A forensic perspective

Objective To explore, from a forensic medicine perspective, assessment considerations for delivery-related functional limitation in women following traumatic pelvic fracture, and to provide reference for functional impairment appraisal in forensic practice. Methods A narrative literature review was conducted in combination with a retrospective case series analysis. Mechanisms by which pelvic fracture may affect delivery-related function were summarized, and five female patients with traumatic pelvic fracture were analyzed with respect to imaging characteristics and functional outcomes. Results Both literature findings and case observations suggest that severe pelvic ring disruption and deformity after fracture healing may alter the geometry of the bony birth canal and increase the risk of limitation in natural vaginal delivery. Differences in injury mechanisms and the extent of structural alteration were associated with varying levels of delivery-related functional risk. Conclusion In forensic practice, assessment of delivery-related functional limitation following pelvic fracture should be based on integrated analysis of imaging-defined structural changes, function-related evidence, and the documented clinical course. The assessment considerations outlined in this study may provide reference for improving the objectivity and consistency of forensic appraisal in cases involving pelvic fracture in women.