The biggest long term complication of a broken pelvis is the development of arthritis. The main reason doctors operate on these fractures is that they know from past experience that if they leave the fractures in a poor position, although they will often heal, arthritis may follow within five years.
Unstable pelvic fractures sustained during high-energy incidents, such as car accidents, may result in significant complications, including severe bleeding, internal organ damage, and infection. If these injuries are addressed successfully, the fracture usually heals well.
Hemorrhage is considered the leading cause of death in patients with pelvic ring injuries [5, 19, 20].
Pelvic fractures may be recognised by tenderness, pain, bruising, swelling and crepitus of the pubis, iliac bones, hips and sacrum. Other presenting factors are: haematuria, rectal bleeding, haematoma and neurological and vascular abnormalities in the legs.
With a broken pelvis you cannot walk, sit or move well without pain. The pelvis protects the bladder, intestines and many important blood vessels. Many of the important leg muscles and abdominal muscles attach to the pelvis and allow for body motion and function.
Unstable pelvic fractures typically occur as a result of high-energy injuries. Associated organ system injuries are observed commonly with pelvic fractures because of the energy imparted to the patient. Head, chest, and abdominal injuries frequently occur in association with pelvic fractures.
Background: Pelvic fractures from blunt force trauma place the bladder and urethra at risk for injury, often resulting in significant complications.
Major and unstable pelvic fractures are likely to cause severe pain and shock. Pain may be in the pelvis, groin, back, tummy (abdomen), or down the legs. The pelvic bones are large and have a rich blood supply, so when broken they will bleed heavily and the bleeding will not stop quickly.
2A). Regarding the body region, head injuries were the predominant reason for death in patients who died with pelvic ring fractures (Fig. 2A). In 64 of 238 (27%) cases, injuries of the pelvis led to death (Fig.
After a hip or pelvic fracture, your doctor may advise you not to put any weight on the affected hip for six weeks or more. This allows the bone to heal. Your doctor can provide crutches, a walker, a cane, or a wheelchair to help you get around.
Patients with pelvic fractures experience a severe reduction in their HRQoL and functional outcomes, especially within the first 3 months after injury. Although patients recover up to 12 months after trauma, most patients do not reach their pre-injury status.
Healing can take eight to 12 weeks. Severe injuries to the pelvis that involve several breaks can be life-threatening. Shock, extensive internal bleeding and internal organs damage may be involved.
Pain relievers can help you feel well enough to begin physical therapy, which is a vital part of recovery from a fractured hip or pelvis. Our doctors often recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. If pain is more intense, your doctor can prescribe a stronger medication.
Your doctor may have put metal screws, pins, or a rod in your pelvis to fix the break. In some cases, surgery is not needed. While your pelvis heals, you will need to keep weight off the hips. Once you are able to walk, a walker or crutches can help you get around.
Tips for Sitting Comfortably with a Fractured Pelvis
Use a cushion: Sitting on a cushion can help relieve pressure on the pelvic bones and make sitting more comfortable. Look for a cushion that is made of a soft, supportive material and has a cut-out design to reduce pressure on the coccyx.
In some cases the nerves going to the bladder are damaged in the pelvic fracture. This leads to several problems in the bladder that generally result in incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine or accidents).
You can sleep in which ever position you find most comfortable but may prefer to place a pillow in between your knees when sleeping on your side. Avoid sitting on low chairs or for prolonged periods of time. Use your hands on the arms of the chair to help gently lower yourself.
For lower extremity injuries (pelvis and legs), you can drive once you can walk smoothly with a cane (with OUT a limp). This varies by person and injury. For upper extremity injuries (arms and clavicle), this can vary but usually you may start driving by six weeks.
Normally, driving should be avoided for the first 6 weeks and even travelling as a passenger is best avoided for the first three weeks (except for essential journeys), as getting in and out of a car can risk straining the hip and stretching the healing tissues. However, you should discuss this with your surgeon.
Pelvic fracture recovery may involve surgery, prolonged immobilization, or long periods of relative inactivity. Athletes should avoid all sport activities until their pain has resolved.
If you have suffered a fracture of your femur, tibia, or pelvis and it has resulted in ongoing problems, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If you have been in a serious accident, you may have suffered multiple broken bones.
General Treatment
If you have a more severe fracture, you will need screws and/or plates placed in your pelvis. In general, if you are treated with surgery, you will need some amount of bedrest or time in a wheelchair before you are able to walk again.
Pelvic fractures take many weeks to heal, and patients can expect to have limited mobility for at least 3 months. Full recovery will often take 6 months, and sometimes up to 12 months depending on the severity of the injury. Physiotherapy will usually be prescribed.