Pelvic Fracture Surgery.
Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Recovering from surgeryPain and pain management After pelvic fracture surgery, patients usually describe significantly
improved comfort. Their surgical wounds hurt for several days, but the
pelvic instability pain (which was severe) is gone. Narcotic analgesics
(pain relievers) are used only as necessary for the first week or so
after surgery.Use of medications Initially, narcotics are administered intravenously (directly into the
bloodstream). Later, they are administered by mouth. Most patients use
narcotics for seven to ten days after surgery.Effectiveness of medications The medication's purpose is to reduce the patient's pain, which it usually does.Important side effects Narcotic analgesic medications are potentially addictive, and may produce a variety of side effects.Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital After the surgery, the patient is evaluated and treated by a
physical therapist. Most patients use crutches to assist their
ambulation for six to twelve weeks.
The first six weeks after operation is "quiet time" for most
patients. Only gentle range of motion and light strengthening exercises
are prescribed as the pelvic ring injury heals.
Most people who have surgery for a severe pelvic fracture require
three to four months of recovery time. As the pelvic injury heals,
strengthening exercises and a conditioning program are prescribed to
facilitate their return to work and other daily activities. Hospital discharge The patient is discharged when: - comfort is sufficient,
- normal bowel and bladder function are accomplished,
- he or she is cleared by the physical therapist after training with crutches, and
- the surgical wounds demonstrate adequate early healing.
Convalescent assistance Many people have bilateral pelvic ring injuries (injuries on both sides
of the pelvic bone) and/or associated lower extremity fractures which
prevent quick rehabilitation. Most of these patients need skilled
nursing facility placement after their hospital discharge. If the
patient is able to go home, family members or friends are needed to
assist the patient almost daily. Even simple tasks such as bathing or
showering become difficult. Many patients' families have been quite
creative in facilitating their loved one's recovery at home.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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