Pelvic fracture is a medical condition that occurs when the bones of the pelvis break. This injury can cause harm to the internal organs, nerves, and blood vessels located in the pelvic area.
The pelvis is a rounded structure made up of bones located at the base of the spine. It connects to the sacrum through strong ligaments. The pelvis consists of three bones—ilium, ischium, and pubis—that are joined together. On each side of the pelvis, there is a cup-shaped socket called the acetabulum.
Various organs associated with the digestive and reproductive systems are located inside the pelvis. Additionally, several major nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower limbs pass through the pelvis. The pelvis also serves as a point where muscles from the upper and lower parts of the body attach.
Based on the damage of the pelvis ring and associated structures, pelvic fractures can be categorized as:
Stable pelvic fractures occur when there is a single break in the pelvic ring, and the fractured bones remain in their original position, leading to very little blood loss
Unstable pelvic fractures happen when there are breaks in two or more parts of the pelvis. This can result in serious internal bleeding. These types of fractures may lead to shock, heavy loss of blood inside the body, and injury to internal organs. It is important to get immediate medical attention, and the recovery process usually involves prolonged physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Causes
The common causes responsible for pelvic fractures include:
- Sports injuries or trauma
- Abrupt muscle contraction
- Conditions such as osteoporosis, especially in elderly people
- Accidental injury or fall from a great height
Symptoms
The common symptoms associated with pelvic fractures are:
- Pain and swelling in the groin or hip region that may worsen with ambulation
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding through the urethra or vagina and the rectum
- Problems in urination
- Unable to stand or walk
Diagnosis
The process of diagnosing a pelvic fracture starts with a physical examination, where the healthcare provider checks how the organs in the pelvic area are functioning. To determine the exact condition or severity of the bone break, imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are often used. In some cases, extra tests that use radioactive dye may be recommended to evaluate the structure and function of organs like the urethra, bladder, and blood vessels in the pelvic region.
Treatment
The management of a pelvic fracture is determined by the seriousness of the injury and the patient's overall health. For less severe or stable fractures, treatment typically involves non-surgical approaches such as rest, medications, the use of crutches, physical therapy, and possibly minor surgical procedures if needed. The recovery process usually requires a period of 8 to 12 months for the fracture to fully heal.
The care for unstable fractures involves handling the bleeding and damage to internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Surgery might be used to stabilize the broken pelvic bones with screws and plates. Fixing the pelvic bones in place helps keep them steady and supports the body's natural healing process.
