Pelvic Fractures
Pelvic fracture is a condition that arises due to breakage of the pelvis bones. It may damage internal organs, nerves, and blood vessels associated with the pelvis region.
The pelvis is a round structure of bones located at the base of the spine, connected to the sacrum of the spine with the help of strong ligaments. The pelvis is composed of three bones, namely ilium, ischium, and pubis that are fused together. The side of the pelvis is composed of a cup shape socket, known as acetabulum.
Various organs related to the digestive and reproductive systems lie within the pelvis ring. Also, several large nerves and blood vessels supplying the lower limbs pass through the pelvis. The pelvis ring also acts as a point of attachment for muscles approaching from the upper and lower part of the body.
Based on the damage of the pelvis ring and associated structures, pelvic fractures can be categorized as:
- Stable pelvic fractures: Have single point breakage in the pelvis ring and broken bones remain in position; shows less bleeding
- Unstable pelvic fractures: Have breakage at two or more points, followed by severe bleeding. Unstable pelvic fractures may cause shock, extensive internal bleeding, and damage to the internal organs. It requires immediate medical care followed by long-term 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 diagnosis of pelvic fracture starts with physical examination including checking the functional activity of the various body organs present in the pelvic region. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT (Contrast Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may also be used to confirm the exact condition or breakage of the pelvic bones. In some cases, additional contrasting studies using radioactive dye may be recommended to evaluate the structural and functional activity of organs such as the urethra, bladder, and the pelvic blood vessels.
Treatment
Treatment of the pelvic fracture depends upon the severity of the injury and condition of the patient. Minor or stable fractures can be treated with conservative methods such as rest, medication, use of crutches, physical therapy, and if required, minor surgery. These methods may take 8–12 months for complete healing.
The treatment of unstable fractures includes management of bleeding and injuries of the internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Surgical intervention may be employed for fixation of the fractured pelvic bones using screws and plates. Pelvic bone fixation provides stability to the pelvic bone and promotes natural healing of the fracture.
Houston Hip Specialists
Advanced Orthopedics and sports medicine has numerous Board Certified/Eligible physicians who are thoroughly educated in the latest treatment techniques both surgical and conservative. They are well versed in advances in hip treatments including arthroscopic labral repairs, minimally invasive anterior hip replacement, total and partial hip replacements.
Drs Elbaz and Brooks now perform Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment piriformis syndrome, greater trochanter bursitis, ischial bursitis, sacroiliac joint pain and hamstring tendonitis/tears. PRP stimulates a more rapid healing of tendon, ligament, muscle and bone.
Contact us today to Schedule an Appointment or call us at 281-955-2650 to learn more about our Shoulder Treatment Services.
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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What Our Patients Are Saying
I had been in so much pain with my back for years. It got so bad that I knew I had to do something. I went to Dr Mohr for help. I was so afraid to have spine surgery as I had heard so many horror stories. He and his staff were very informative. I was amazed at the new technology in spinal surgery. December 8, 2016 I had rods and pins put in my back. I am so happy I did now. I am healing really fast and the pain is going away as my body heals. Thank you Dr Mohr for you expertise and sensitive nature. You were understanding about my fear and helped assure me so I could receive the help I needed. You are an excellent Doctor.
I have been a patient of Dr. Cubbage for several years. Each time of go there, he always presents a thorough plan of care. From ordering the most appropriate diagnostic tests to making sure you understand each step of his plan of care. He consistently instills confidence that you are the road to recovery.
Plus his assistant Karen is extremely knowledgeable and very caring!
I would highly recommend Dr. Cubbage if you are having any type of spinal issues. I have seen Dr. Cubbage several times over the last 3 years for lumbar pain and numbness in my left leg. Dr. Cubbage explained my diagnostic results in such a way that it was easy for me to understand. He patiently answered all my questions and explained my options. Fortunately, Dr. Cubbage has been able to manage my pain with conservative treatment but know surgery is inevitable. When that time comes, I would choose no other than Dr. Cubbage! And it’s a plus that he has such a kind and caring staff.
For the first time in many years and many knee operations on one leg I am without any knee pain. This is a result of a procedure performed by Dr. Patel.
I made an appointment to see Dr. Patel on the recommendation of Dr. Tanous following knee replacement and several months of continued pain. Dr. Patel explained the procedure to me and explained how we would proceed. The first procedure was to determine if I would be a good candidate for the second procedure. After the first procedure my pain was anywhere from 0 and 5. Dr. Patel explained to me at follow-up that I was not a good candidate for the second procedure due to my pain level being above the 0 to 3 level. After talking for a while I said “any relief would be better than the pain I had been having.” With this it was agreed that I would have the second procedure. It has now been 6 days since the procedure and I am without any pain.
I realize this is only a few days of not being able to sleep, with a pillow between my knee or under my leg at night. I know the pain may come back at anytime but until then it has been well worthwhile. I hope it will last 6 months, if not, I will have the procedure again after 6 months.
Thank you Drs. Patel and Tanous.
Outstanding Physicians. I’ve had two surgeries here, one on my foot with Dr. Bacon, and an extensive back surgery with Dr. Cubbage. I’m new to the area and my wife found me these surgeons. I have to say that each surgery I’ve had with these physicians have had excellent results. I was very pleased with my foot surgery and decided to see Dr. Cubbage for my back. Other surgeons I’ve seen regarding my back only gave me a 50/50 success rate. I have to say, the low back surgery with Dr. Cubbage was like a miracle. Right away, I noticed a difference and I’ve continued to improve rapidly. I’m almost eight weeks out and I haven’t felt this good in years. I’d like to thank Dr. Stacy Bacon for my foot surgery and Dr. Matthew Cubbage for my low back surgery. Without these drastic results, I’d not be walking today. Thank you all very much and I highly recommend your services. God bless you all.
-E. Bell
Dr. David R. Mack replaced my right hip in June 2009, and my left in October 2010. I am already able to go places and do things on my own again. His excellent staff are very caring and helpful throughout the entire process, including recovery. The out-patient therapy is the best. I am walking very well now and am very pleased to have my life back. Thank you so much Dr. Mack and your great staff! Sincerely,
Dr. Bacon, I can never thank you enough for what you have done for me and for my daughter, Melia. In 2011, on the first anniversary of my surgery, my wife and I walked for two hours on Copacabana beach in Rio. I also completed a four hour nature walk over rough terrain in The Falklands and hiked to del Fin del Terre at the tip of South America. You are truly a great doctor, and I thank God every day for you and for Dr. Fogarty who recommended you for Melia’s surgery.
When I started, I couldn’t put any weight on my right leg and now I can do virtually anything. While I hope to not need future therapy, this is without a doubt the place I will return to in the future.
It has been eight weeks since my partial knee replacement and now I realized just how much I was missing. Having it done has made such a difference to my life. For a start my leg is now straight and my knees actually touch! I have started walking and even plan to ride my bike. The most thrilling part is that I am playing and dancing with my grandchildren again.