What is a Pelvic Fracture?

The pelvis sits at the base of the spine and consists of a group of bones held together by tough ligaments. The main bones in the pelvis are the hip bones, the sacrum (triangular shaped bone at the bottom of the spine) and the coccyx (tailbone). These pelvic bones support blood vessels, nerves, pelvic/abdominal/reproductive organs, the bladder/rectum and the digestive tract. It also connects to and stabilises the leg muscles.

Pelvic fractures can range from mild to severe in nature, however will always require medical attention and physical therapy rehabilitation to encourage timely recovery.

There are two classifications of pelvic fractures:

• Stable – only one break in the pelvic ring with minimal bleeding and surrounding damage
• Unstable – two or more breaks in the pelvic rings causing moderate to severe damage and bleeding

These classifications are then categorised into different types:

• Open – where the fractured bone pierces through skin
• Closed – where the fracture does not penetrate the skin
• Stress fracture – when the bone is cracked
• Displaced fracture – where gaps form between the fractured bones
• Partial fracture – where the fracture doesn’t completely go through the bone
• Complete fracture – where the bone breaks into two or more pieces

What are the causes of pelvic fractures?

Pelvic fractures are usually a result of trauma or degenerative causes. Mild cases usually heal without surgical intervention, however severe injuries require urgent medical attention to prevent damage to other pelvic and abdominal organs.

Common causes include

• Degenerative conditions – usually, weakened bones caused by conditions like osteoporosis can increase susceptibility of a mild pelvic fracture after a minor injury (e.g. fall from a bed/chair/stairs/bathtub, etc).
• High-impact trauma injuries – e.g. high impact car/motorcycle accidents, falls from a height.
• High-contact athletic activities – athletes usually have avulsion fractures, where the tendon of the hamstring muscle separates from the bone, taking a piece with it, usually a result of speed and sudden stop actions common in some sports

Pelvic fractures are relatively uncommon, with severe cases presenting under the age of 35, and chances of mild fractures occurring with weakening bones over time. Older women are at a higher risk of the latter, milder cases, whereas men under 35 usually have moderate to severe injuries.

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for Pelvic Fracture

If you have fractured your pelvis, it is important to see a medical professional immediately for diagnosis and treatment/management options. You will likely be referred for imaging tests to determine the origin and extent of the injury, and necessity for surgical intervention.

Physiotherapy is aimed at pain management through rehabilitation exercise programs to strengthen muscle, mobilise joints and reduce the risk of re-injury. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise for you to use lumbar or pelvic support.

How to book an appointment?

If you have a pelvic fracture, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.