All Topics  
Pelvic fracture

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Pelvic fracture
 
 
  Topics Pelvic fracture Topic Home

Pelvic fracture is a disruption of the bony structure of the pelvis
Pelvis

The pelvis or pelvic girdle is the irregular bone structure located at the base of the spine . In the adult human, it is formed by the sacrum and the coccyx, the caudal part of the axial skeleton, and a pair of hip bones, part of the appendicular skeleton or human leg....
. The most common cause in elderly is a fall, but the most significant fractures involve high-energy forces such as a motor vehicle accident, cycling accidents, or a fall from significant height. Diagnosis is made on the basis of history, clinical features and special investigations usually including x-ray
X-ray

X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequency in the range 30 Hertz to 30 Hertz and energies in the range 120 Electron volt to 120 keV....
 and CT
CT

CT or ct may stand for:* The Typographical ligature* Carat , a measure of the purity of gold and platinum alloys* Carat , a unit of mass used for measuring gems and pearls...
. Because the pelvis cradles so many internal organs, pelvic fractures may produce significant internal bleeding which is invisible to the eye.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Pelvic fracture'
Start a new discussion about 'Pelvic fracture'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


Pelvic fracture is a disruption of the bony structure of the pelvis
Pelvis

The pelvis or pelvic girdle is the irregular bone structure located at the base of the spine . In the adult human, it is formed by the sacrum and the coccyx, the caudal part of the axial skeleton, and a pair of hip bones, part of the appendicular skeleton or human leg....
. The most common cause in elderly is a fall, but the most significant fractures involve high-energy forces such as a motor vehicle accident, cycling accidents, or a fall from significant height. Diagnosis is made on the basis of history, clinical features and special investigations usually including x-ray
X-ray

X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequency in the range 30 Hertz to 30 Hertz and energies in the range 120 Electron volt to 120 keV....
 and CT
CT

CT or ct may stand for:* The Typographical ligature* Carat , a measure of the purity of gold and platinum alloys* Carat , a unit of mass used for measuring gems and pearls...
. Because the pelvis cradles so many internal organs, pelvic fractures may produce significant internal bleeding which is invisible to the eye. Emergency treatment consists of Advanced Trauma Life Support
Advanced Trauma Life Support

Advanced Trauma Life Support is a training program for doctors and Advanced Practice/Critical Care Paramedics in the management of acute Physical trauma cases, developed by the American College of Surgeons....
 management. After stabilisation, the pelvis may be surgically reconstructed.

One specific kind of pelvic fracture is known as an 'open book' fracture. This is often the result from a heavy impact to the groin (pubis), a common motorcycling accident. In this kind of injury, the left and right halves of the pelvis are separated at front and rear, the front opening more than the rear, i.e like opening a book. Depending on the severity, this may require surgical reconstruction before rehabilitation. See http://www.netterimages.com/image/344.htm

In lieu of surgery, some pelvic fractures are treated with only bed rest. Pelvic fractures may involve months of recovery and months or years of rehabilitation.

Deep tissue massage, yoga
Yoga

Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism....
, and balancing exercises can continue to transform a recovering pelvic fracture years beyond the initial injury.

See Also

  • Coccyx (tailbone)
    Coccyx

    The coccyx , commonly referred to as the tailbone, is the final segment of the human spine . Comprising three to five separate or fused vertebrae below the sacrum, it is attached to the sacrum by a fibrocartilaginous joint, the sacrococcygeal symphysis, which permits limited movement between the sacrum and the coccyx....
  • Ileum bone
    Ilium (bone)

    The ilium is the uppermost and largest bone of the pelvis, and appears in most vertebrates including mammals and birds, but not bony fish. All reptiles have an ilium except snakes, although some snake species have a tiny bone which is considered to be an ilium....
  • Pelvis
    Pelvis

    The pelvis or pelvic girdle is the irregular bone structure located at the base of the spine . In the adult human, it is formed by the sacrum and the coccyx, the caudal part of the axial skeleton, and a pair of hip bones, part of the appendicular skeleton or human leg....
  • Sacrum
    Sacrum

    The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column and at the upper and back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones....


External links