Pelvic fracture

Pelvic fracture can result from both a high-energy accident (e.g. traffic accident, fall from height, etc.) and a low-energy osteoporotic fracture (e.g. fall from low height due to tripping, bumping, etc.).

Appointments

Traumatology

Symptoms

  • Pain in the buttocks, groin, tailbone
  • Inability to stand or walk
  • Bruising on the buttocks, groin or tailbone

Cause

  • High-energy fractures are fractures that usually occur as a result of a traffic accident (motorbike/car/bike/pedestrian vs. vehicle) or a fall from height. There are often additional fractures in the lower limbs and/or spine areas (see polytrauma).
  • Low-energy, osteoporotic fractures are fractures that occur mainly in the elderly as a result of a trivial fall from standing (usually tripping).

Fracture evaluation

Fracture types and treatment plan

Treatment depends on the type of pelvic fracture.

Prognosis

Our doctors treat over 200 pelvic fractures a year. As a result, we have accumulated a lot of experience and expertise to treat these fractures in the best possible way.

A pelvic fracture is a serious injury: in simple fractures, the prognosis is usually good. In more complex fractures, permanent loss of function of the hip and lower limbs may occur. Osteoarthritis may also develop at an accelerated rate.

Risks and complications

Wound problems

Severely bruised skin (swelling, blisters, bruising) may lead to wound problems. It may therefore be decided to perform the treatment in phases.

The pelvis is then first stabilised externally with a splint or an external fixation framework. Final surgery then follows in the second phase.

Specialists

Last edit: 3 March 2024