Pelvic Fracture
Overview
Definition
A pelvic fracture is one or more breaks of the bones that make up the pelvis. Several organs, blood vessels, and nerves are located in this area. Because of this, a pelvic fracture is a serious injury. Immediate care is important to prevent complications.
Pelvic Trauma |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
Proper treatment can prevent long-term complications. Treatment will depend on how serious the fracture is, but may include:
Initial Care
Life-threatening problems, such as bleeding or shock will need to be managed first. The bones will be stabilized until other issues are stable. Steps to repair the bone will depend on the amount of damage. Treatment options for the bone include:
- Traction may be used realign and stabilize the fracture if surgery can't be done right away.
- Stable fractures will heal without surgery.
- Unstable fractures are treated with surgery.
- Some fractures can be set with an external fixation device. Screws are placed through the bones to a frame on the outside of the body.
- Others can be repaired with internal pins, screws, or plates.
- Extra support may be needed to protect the pelvis while it heals. A walker or crutches may be needed to keep weight off the pelvis.
Medication
Prescription or over-the-counter pain pills may be given to help reduce inflammation and pain. Blood thinners reduce the risk of blood clots.
Rest and Recovery
Healing time varies by age and overall health. Young people and those in better overall health heal faster. It may take several months for an unstable fracture to heal.
Complications of a pelvic fracture can be temporary or permanent. These include:
- Pain
-
Nerve damage, which can affect
- Movement
- Bladder function
- Sexual function
Activities will need to be adjusted while your pelvic bone heals. Complete rest is rarely required.
Physical therapy or rehabilitation will be used to improve range of motion.
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of a pelvic fracture:
- Prevent falls by using a stool or stepladder to reach high places. Add handrails along stairways and place nonslip mats in your bathroom, shower, and under carpets.
- Wear a seatbelt in any vehicle your drive or ride in.
- Never drive if you have been drinking, or ride with anyone who has.
- Use proper safety gear for any high-risk sports you participate in.
- Maintain your muscle strength with regular exercise.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
RESOURCES
The American Pediatric Surgical Association http://www.pediatricsurgerymd.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
References
Collinge C, Tornetta P III. Soft tissue injuries associated with pelvic fractures. Orthop Clin North Am. 2004;35(4):451-456.
Femoral shaft fracture—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T910561/Femoral-shaft-fracture-emergency-management . Accessed August 30, 2017.
Fracture management of unstable pelvic fractures. American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/jul09/clinical8.asp. Accessed August 30, 2017.
Frakes MA, Evans T. Major pelvic fractures. Crit Care Nurse. 2004 Apr;24(2):18-30.
Grotz MR, Allami MK, Harwood P, et al. Open pelvic fractures: epidemiology, current concepts of management and outcome. Injury. 2005;36(1):1-13.
McCormack R, Strauss EJ, et al. Diagnosis and management of pelvic fractures. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2010;68(4):281-291.
Mohanty K, Musso D, Powell JN, Kortbeek JB, Kirkpatrick AW. Emergent management of pelvic ring injuries: an update. Can J Surg. 2005;48(1):49-56.
Pelvis fractures. American Academy of Othopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00223. Updated February 2016. Accessed August 30, 2017.
Quick TJ, Eastwood DM. Pediatric fractures and dislocations of the hip and pelvis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005;(432):87-96.
Tornetta P III, Templeman DC. Expected outcomes after pelvic ring injury. Instr Course Lect. 2005;54:401-407.