Pelvic Fracture Surgery.
Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Recovering from surgeryHow much pain do patients usually have after pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture and what medications are used to manage it? 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.How are medications after pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture administered? How long will they be needed? 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.How does pain medication usually affect pain and comfort following pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture? The medication's purpose is to reduce the patient's pain, which it usually does.What are the most frequent and most serious side effects of taking pain medication after pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture? Narcotic analgesic medications are potentially addictive, and may produce a variety of side effects.What is the recovery from pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture? What type of rehabilitation is started 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. After pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture, what happens at hospital discharge and what are the patient's limitations at that time? 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.
What type of help do patients need after pelvic fracture surgery for pelvic fracture and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility? 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.
How useful was this page or article?
|
|