Pelvic Fracture Surgery.
Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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Review of the conditionCharacteristics of pelvic fracture The pelvis consists of three major bones joined together in a ringed
shape and held by strong ligaments (see figure 1). General
characteristics of pelvic fracture include severe pain, pelvic bone
instability, and associated internal bleeding. Pelvic fractures occur
due to traumatic events such as falls or automobile or motorcycle
accidents.Types A variety of pelvic fracture injuries may occur. Zones of typical injury include:
- symphysis pubis dislocation
- pubic ramus fracture
- iliac fracture
- sacroiliac joint dislocation
- sacral fracture
Open wounds, such as rectal tears, may be in contact with and contaminate these injuries. Similar conditions No other condition is confused with pelvic fracture.Incidence and risk factors Pelvic fractures occur rarely. They are commonly associated with
high-energy traumatic events. Young males are often at risk, due to
their high velocity lifestyles.Diagnosis Alert and awake patients with pelvic fracture complain of pain.
Clinical examination of the unstable pelvis reveals bone instability
and associated tenderness. Bone instability, or bony mobility, occurs
after fracture when muscle spasms or other deforming forces are applied
to the fracture fragments. X-rays show the disruptions (fractures
and/or dislocations) and their displacement (misalignment) patterns.
Open associated wounds should be obvious to the doctor.Medications Analgesics (narcotics, etc.) temporarily and incompletely diminish pain due to pelvic fractures.Possible benefits of pelvic fracture surgery Surgery stabilizes the injured pelvic ring, restores normal anatomy, provides patient comfort, and allows rehabilitation.Surgery for pelvic fracture at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, 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 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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