Pelvic Fracture Surgery.
Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Considering surgeryWhat kinds of surgery are recommended for pelvic fracture? 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 for pelvic fracture and in what cases? 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 if nothing is done for pelvic fracture (best case/worst case scenarios)? 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.What options exist for surgery for pelvic fracture? 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.When performed by an experienced surgeon, how effective is pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture likely to be and how long will the benefit last? 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.How urgent is pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture? 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.What are the most frequent and most serious risks of pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture? How common are they? 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.If risks occur during or after pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture how are they managed? 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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