Introduction. The classic recommendation in all patients with multiple trauma has been a routine radiographic examination of pelvis. However, there are facts suggesting that such recommendation should be reevaluated. We have reviewed this subject in order to determine the value of physical examination as the method to detect pelvic fractures, as compared with radiographs. Materials and methods. A literature search was performed in order to identify articles that compare physical examination with pelvic radiography in the detection of pelvic fractures in patients with multiple trauma that are conscious upon arrival at the emergency service. Review was performed according to the JAMA critical appreciation criteria, and data from the operative characteristics were collected and analyzed Results. The systematic review identified 16 primary studies, and additionally two primary studies that were not included in the systematic review. Sensibility and specificity of the systematic review were above 90%. For individual studies sensibility was above 90% and specificity ranked between 47% and 100%. Conclusion. The available information points out that physical examination is a good diagnostic method for the detection of pelvic fractures, as compared to pelvic radiographs, and therefore it should be more widely employed.