
Pelvic Fractures
What are Pelvic Fractures?
Pelvic fractures are breaks or cracks in any of the bones that make up the pelvic region. The pelvis is a ring-shaped structure made up of several bones including the ilium, ischium, pubis, and sacrum. These bones connect to the spine at the back and to the hip bones at the front.
Pelvic fractures can range from mild to severe and can occur from a variety of causes, including:
- High-impact trauma such as a car accident, fall from a great height, or sports injury
- Low-impact trauma such as a simple fall or stepping off a curb awkwardly
- Osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions that make the bones more susceptible to fractures
- Symptoms of a pelvic fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty standing or walking. In severe cases, there may be internal bleeding, organ damage, or other life-threatening complications.
Treatment for pelvic fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Mild fractures may only require rest and pain management, while more severe fractures may require surgery, immobilization, or other interventions to help the bones heal properly. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are extremely crucial to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
Read more about Pelvic Health.
What are the causes of Pelvic Fractures?
- High-Impact Trauma: This is the most common cause of pelvic fractures, usually from motor vehicle accidents, falls from a significant height, sports injuries, or other types of physical trauma.
- Low-Impact Trauma: Pelvic fractures can also occur from low-impact trauma such as a simple fall, stepping off a curb awkwardly, or tripping over something.
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions can increase the risk of pelvic fractures, especially in older adults.
- Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the bones can also weaken them and increase the risk of fractures.
- Childbirth: In rare cases, pelvic fractures can occur during childbirth, usually due to the use of forceps or other instruments during delivery.
- Repetitive Stress: Repetitive stress on the pelvic region, such as from long-distance running, can also increase the risk of stress fractures in the pelvic bones.
- Pathological Conditions: Rarely, certain pathological conditions such as infections or tumors in the bones of the pelvis can weaken them and increase the risk of fractures.
How can Physiotherapy help in Pelvic Fractures?
- Pain Management: Physiotherapists can use various techniques such as heat or ice therapy, mobility training, or manual therapy to help manage pain in the affected area.
- Strengthening Exercises: After a period of rest and immobilization, the muscles surrounding the pelvic area can become weak. Physiotherapists can create a customized exercise program to help strengthen these muscles and improve stability.
- Range of Motion Exercises: In some cases, pelvic fractures can limit the patient's ability to move the hip joint. Physiotherapists can use exercises to help improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Gait Training: After a pelvic fracture, clients may have difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Physiotherapists can use gait training techniques to help patients regain their ability to walk and move safely.
- Balance Training: Pelvic fractures can affect a client's balance and stability. Physiotherapists can use balance training techniques to help improve balance and prevent falls.
- Education: Our therapists provide education on proper body mechanics and movement strategies to help prevent future injuries or complications.
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