Pelvic Fracture
By Ehren Allen, Certified Manual Therapist/ Physical Therapist
Pelvic Fracture Overview
Anatomy of the Pelvis
The pelvis is a large bony structure in the lower abdomen that supports much of the body’s structure. Technically there are 3 bones on each side that make up the pelvis. These are the Ilium, the ischium, and the Pubis. The thigh bone (femur) connects to the pelvis in a socket on each side (Hip joint). The Spine connects to the pelvis at the ilium with joints called Sacroiliac joints. A fracture in any part of the pelvic can cause issues with other areas.
pelvis, hip, leg bones and ligaments
Can you walk around with a Broken Pelvis?
Pelvic fractures typically hurt! Often, a fractured pelvis occurs with trauma such as a car crash or a fall. It is possible to walk with a pelvic fracture, but it depends on where the fracture is. If the fracture is in an area that supports a lot of weight, it would likely be too painful to walk. Some people can walk with the assistance of a walker or crutches.
Pelvic Fracture Recovery Time
With mild fractures of the pelvis, healing usually takes between 6 to 10 weeks. With severe fractures, it can be much longer. Some pelvic fractures require surgery to repair. Those may require significantly more time to heal.
Because the pelvis has a round ring shape, when it is fractured, there is often a second fracture site that must heal within the pelvis.
Fracture Symptoms
If there is a pain in or around the pelvis and trauma, a pelvis fracture is possible. If there is already thinning of the bone (osteoporosis), fractures are more likely with trauma. Pelvic fractures are typically diagnosed with an X-ray. CT scans are sometimes used if the X-ray is not definitive.
Osteoporosis stages. close-up of human bones with different density. bone disease. aging process.
Why are Pelvic fractures life-threatening? How serious is a Pelvic Fracture?
Severe pelvic fractures can be very dangerous. There are major blood vessels and nerves that run through the pelvis, and a severe fracture could compromise one of them. With major trauma to the pelvis, a thorough medical evaluation should be performed.
Is a fractured pelvis the same as a Broken Hip?
A pelvic fracture is different than a hip fracture. A pelvic fracture involves the bones of the pelvis. A hip fracture typically refers to a fracture of the top part of the thigh bone (femur). The femur attaches to the pelvis in a socket called the acetabulum. The socket is not always involved with a hip fracture. It is possible to fracture both in extreme circumstances. If you need to schedule an appointment, call JOI-2000 or click the banner below.
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