Pelvis Surgery for Fractures

There are a number of surgical procedures that can be used to correct pelvis fractures and dislocated bones. Surgery corrects discomfort, reduces bleeding and helps the patient regain mobility.

There are three bones joined together in the pelvis that form a ring. These bones are held together with ligaments. A fracture of these bones can cause a significant amount of pain, decreased mobility and internal bleeding. Pelvis surgery can help to correct all of these issues.

A pelvis fracture is not a common concern and usually involves a high impact trauma such as an automobile accident or sports injury that involves high intensity sports. The diagnosis of a pelvis fracture usually involves patient complaints of pain and x-rays to determine the location of the fracture.

Patients are usually prescribed pain medication before the pelvis surgery to help with comfort and pain. Plates, screws and pins may be used to hold the pelvic bones in place during surgery. The surgery realigns the pelvis and allows for proper healing of the bones.

Internal bleeding is a reason for an immediate pelvis surgery. Bleeding internally may lead to a very serious condition or even death.

After the surgery, the patient may report that they are more comfortable than before the pelvis surgery. Pain medication is administered in the hospital to manage pain and improve patient comfort. Physical therapy after the surgery will only include light range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening in the muscles that support the pelvis. This light exercise will last for as long as six weeks after the surgery.

A pelvis surgery can take months to recover from completely. Physical therapy progresses as the patient is able to tolerate it. The patient is discharged from the hospital after pelvis surgery when the pain is diminished, the bowels return to normal functioning and the patient is able to use crutches and the incision site is healing properly.

Patients after pelvis surgery will require a good deal of convalescent care. Movement is restricted and taking care of daily chores will require assistance. Some patients may require time in a rehabilitation facility before being able to return to their normal daily life.

Every patient returns to their daily activities on a different time table. Some patients return to normal activities only a few weeks after the surgery, while others may require months of physical therapy and rehabilitation. The amount of time that it takes a patient to recover depends on their condition before the procedure, the extent of the surgery and their ability to progress through physical therapy.

 

 A pelvis fracture can be a devastating occurrence, but with surgery and proper physical therapy, a full recovery is possible for some patients. Water exercises are recommended to limit the amount of pressure on the pelvis. High impact exercises are not usually recommended for pelvis surgery patients. The limitations that patients experience after a pelvis surgery will depend on their recovery and the extent of the initial injury.