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The "champagne glass pelvis" is a descriptive radiological sign seen on anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs, where the pelvic inlet appears narrow and vertically elongated, resembling the shape of a champagne flute or glass.
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Key Radiological Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Narrow pelvic inlet | Anteroposterior elongation with reduced transverse diameter |
| Vertically elongated sacrum | Contributes to the flask-like shape |
| Squared iliac wings | Short and broad appearance |
| Horizontally oriented acetabula | Flattened acetabular roofs |
| Low iliac height | Reduced vertical height of iliac blades |
A Standard lower abdominal radiograph of a 13-year-old patient with achondroplasia. In addition to the champagne glass pelvis sign, other skeletal features are seen including the flattened acetabular roof, flattened, squared iliac wings, progressive interpedicular narrowing, and decreased vertebral body height. B Lines forming the typical ‘‘champagne glass’’ appearance of the pelvis are highlighted on the radiograph. The pelvic inlet (dots), narrowing of the sacrosciatic notches (curved black arrows), and horizontal sacrum (white arrow) characterize this classic sign.
Sartoris DJ (1996) Congenital disorders. Musculoskeletal imaging: the requisites, 1st edn. St. Louis: Mosby, pp 319–359
Achondroplasia: Most Common Association
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inheritance | Autosomal dominant (FGFR3 mutation) |
| Stature | Rhizomelic limb shortening with normal trunk |
| Spine | Interpedicular narrowing, exaggerated lumbar lordosis |
| Pelvis | Champagne glass appearance, squared iliac wings, horizontal acetabula |
Other causes:
| Condition | Pelvic Clue | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Thanatophoric dysplasia | Narrow pelvis with more severe skeletal changes | Lethal; cloverleaf skull, extreme micromelia |
| Hypochondroplasia | Milder version of achondroplasia | Similar pelvic features but less pronounced |
| Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia | Mild pelvis involvement | Epiphyseal irregularities, not severe narrowing |
| Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia | May show similar pelvic findings | Associated with platyspondyly, short trunk |
| Feature | Trident Pelvis | Champagne Glass Pelvis | Flared Iliac Wings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iliac wings | Short and squared | Short and squared | Long and flared outward |
| Sciatic notch | Widened, with multiple notches | Narrow, elongated inlet | Open, widened sacrosciatic notches |
| Pelvic inlet | Narrow and vertical | Narrow and vertical | Wide and horizontal |
| Most common condition | Achondroplasia | Achondroplasia | MPS (dysostosis multiplex) |
Further reading:
