Bones in the Pelvis

By Cesar Roman Negron, ATC

Bones In The Pelvis

The pelvis is a basin-like bony structure near the base of the vertebral column. This bony structure can be found in both male and female skeletons. The pelvic bones in a male are smaller and narrower than in females, which is larger and wider.

Further, the bones in the pelvis have several important functions in the body such as;

• Transfer of weight from the upper axial skeleton (bones of the skull, vertebral column, and the thoracic cage), especially during movement
• Provides attachment for a number of muscles and ligaments used in body motion.
• It contains and protects the internal pelvic organs.

 

The bones in the pelvis consist of four bones:

• sacrum, which is a spade-shaped bone that is formed by the fusion of 5 separate sacral vertebrae;
• the coccyx, also called the tail bone, is formed by the fusion of 4 separated bones from the coccyx;
• and the hip bones which are composed of three parts: the ilium (widest and largest of the 3 parts of the hip bone); the ischium (forms the posteroinferior portion of the hip bone); and the pubis (is the most anterior portion of the hip bone). These 3 bones are separated at birth by cartilage and fused together at puberty.

 

COMMON INJURY TO THE BONES IN THE PELVIS

One of the most common injuries to the bones in the pelvis is a fracture. Further, fractures to the pelvis occur mostly due to trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle crashes, wrecks, and people being struck by moving vehicles. A pelvic fracture requires considerable force. A mild fracture may heal in several weeks without surgery. However, a serious pelvic fracture can be life-threatening and may involve damage to the organs the pelvis protects.

 

SYMPTOMS OF A FRACTURED BONE IN THE PELVIS

• Bruising and swelling over the bones
• Pain and tenderness in the groin, hip, lower back, buttock, or pelvis
• Numbness or tingling in the genital area or in the upper tights
• Pain may also be present on sitting and when having a bowel movement

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy for a pelvic fracture is a very important aspect of rehabilitation. Whether is a mild fracture or a fracture that requires surgery, they both include the same treatment, bed rest, pain control, and physical therapy. Further, early mobilization helps avoid or decrease more serious complications. Physical therapy helps patients to get out of bed as soon as possible.

The main goals of physical therapy are improving pain levels, body locomotion, strength, flexibility, speed of healing, quick return to daily activities and/or sports, among others.  To schedule, please call JOI Rehab at 904-858-7045.

Related Article: Bones in the Back and Low Back Pain. 

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Written by: Cesar Roman Negron, ATC