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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryTypes of surgery recommended Who should consider pelvic fracture surgery?What happens without surgery?Surgical options Effectiveness Urgency Risks Managing risk Preparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Pelvic Fracture Surgery.

Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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Considering surgery

Types of surgery recommended

Displaced (misaligned) pelvic fractures may be stabilized by either internal or external fixations (after accurate realignment of the bone fracture fragments or dislocation sites).

Who should consider pelvic fracture surgery?

Patients with unstable and displaced pelvic ring disruptions should strongly consider surgical realignment and stabilization. The decision to have surgery should be discussed by the patient and physician.

What happens without surgery?

If nothing is done, the fracture fragments may not heal for a variety of reasons, and may cause a painful nonunion. If union occurs in a displaced location (malunion), chronic pain may result due to leg length inequality and compensatory scoliosis, among other problems. If the pelvic fracture heals in a good location, the patient may have few symptoms as a result.

Surgical options

Pelvic external fixation consists of pins usually inserted into the iliac bones and then connected together by clamps and bars. Internal fixation refers to plates and screws applied directly onto the fracture sites after realignment. Combinations of both techniques are frequently chosen for certain fracture patterns.

Effectiveness

The procedure is effective when excellent realignment and stable fixation of the displaced fracture is accomplished. A well aligned and healed pelvic fracture is the best starting point for a successful and long lasting result.

Urgency

In situations of ongoing hemorrhage associated with the pelvic fracture, delaying surgery can be deadly. Early pelvic stability can be life-saving. Surgery soon after the pelvic fracture avoids the problems associated with prolonged recumbency such as pneumonia, skin ulceration, and others.

Risks

Bleeding, wound infection, fixation failure, and blood clots are but a few of the associated complications of pelvic surgery. Unfortunately, the pelvis contains major abdominal organs, blood vessels, and nerves which further complicate the surgery.

Managing risk

Complications are managed aggressively and according to the patient's overall clinical condition.

Surgery for pelvic fracture at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.

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