Recovery time for a fractured pelvis depends of many things which includes the severity and complexity of your injury. Other factors that must be taken into consideration are detailed below: Your age; Your overall health and well-being; Because a fractured pelvis is such a severe injury, recovery time is long.
Athletic teens, the elderly and people with osteoporosis are all at increased risk for pelvic fractures, which often occur as a result of a fall, motor vehicle accident or other impact force. They can be treated surgically or non-surgically, but typically in both cases, activity is limited for several months post-injury. Once the bones have healed, strengthening, flexibility and range-of-motion exercises will be prescribed to help you return to your pre-injured state.
Fracture Severity
The severity of the pelvic fracture determines the treatment plan. Pelvic fractures can vary from stable and uncomplicated, with the bones staying in the correct place, to severe and complicated, with multiple bone fragments, internal organ injury, or the presence of open wounds. Typically, stable and uncomplicated fractures do not require surgery but do still require a period of bed rest, pain medications and limited weight-bearing. The more severe fractures take longer to heal and will slow your return to work and activity.
Physical Therapy
Once your physician allows you to bear weight through your, physical therapy begins. Most people with pelvic fractures are limited to walking with crutches or walkers for the first six to 12 weeks after injury. Your physical therapist will teach you how to safely use these devices. The therapist may also give you upper body exercises that will allow you to effectively use these assistive devices. They may also incorporate some basic bedside exercises such as leg lifts upward and out to the side. Once your fracture is healed enough, your therapist will begin to work on your trunk and lower extremity muscles to restore range of motion, strength and endurance. Physical therapy may include some low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling to meet these goals before you are allowed to fully bear weight through the pelvis. While initially your program may be limited, rest assured that once your fracture is healed, your exercise program will progress to restore function to the lower body.
Occupational Therapy
You will also initially work with an occupational therapist. Your OT will be available soon after surgery to help you move in and out of bed, with toileting needs, bathing, dressing and meal preparation. The overall goal of the treatment program is to help you function as independently as possible during your recovery period. They will also work on some upper-body strengthening and range-of-motion exercises, because you will need to use those muscle groups more to compensate for not being able to fully use your trunk and lower body muscles They may incorporate dumbbells or resistance bands to enhance your upper body strength.
Healing Time
Bone healing after a pelvic fracture can take between six to 12 weeks. That does not necessarily mean that you will return to your pre-injured condition by then -- that could take up to a year. However, once the bone-healing has occurred, you should be able to resume your regular day-to-day activities. Once full strength of the pelvis and affected muscles returns, your physician may allow you to resume athletic activities or heavy industrial-type work you enjoy or are required to do for your job.
A serious pelvic fracture is likely to need lengthy physical therapy and rehabilitation. Recovery times also depend on what other damage you experienced, particularly to the nerves that go to your legs.
Recovering from a Pelvic FractureIn this articleHow good is recovery after pelvic fracture?
A stable fracture may heal in several weeks without surgery, particularly if you are young and fit and don't have other illnesses which can affect your healing time.
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Avulsion fractures usually heal by themselves, with rest, over a period of 6-8 weeks.
Stress fractures normally heal over 4-6 weeks with rest, although medication can speed up healing and prevent recurrence, and review of running technique by a sports physiotherapist may be helpful in preventing further injury.
What are the possible complications of a pelvic fracture?
The risk of complications depends on the severity of the injury. The pelvic bones themselves generally heal well and full mobility usually returns after healing has occurred, although there are some exceptions to this.
Early complications
Severe pelvic fractures are life-threatening injuries. The greatest risk is due to immediate blood loss, particularly in the period before emergency care begins. Other possible early complications (within the first few days to weeks) include infection, wound healing problems, blood clots, further bleeding, and damage to internal organs.
These complications can occur in a lesser extent in more serious but stable fractures. They are not associated with avulsion fractures or stress fractures.
Later complications
The medium- to long-term complications of pelvic fractures are mainly seen after complex, unstable fractures. They include:
Healing after any injury is generally better for those who are younger and fitter. Elderly patients who have reduced muscle strength and fitness, and who then become immobile after stable pelvic fractures, are generally less likely to return to full fitness after a long period of being 'off their feet'. This is particularly the case if they have previously existing problems with balance, or other health issues.
Elderly people who have maintained their fitness with regular exercise have almost the same chance of full recovery as younger patients.
How are pelvic fractures prevented?
You can reduce the chance of this type of injury through use of safety devices when travelling at speed, including seat belts and impact protection systems (airbags) - and also by driving at a safe speed for the conditions.
Any safety procedure that reduces risk of falls from high levels, including site safety on construction sites, will reduce the risk of major trauma.
Horse riders should be aware of the risk of a horse falling and rolling, particularly when involved in jumping or racing. It is difficult to protect against this other than by throwing yourself away from the horse as it falls, or rolling away as soon as you fall. This will not often be possible, even for experienced riders.
Treatments to improve bone density will make fractures less likely in those with osteoporosis. In patients with balance problems (who are at risk of falls) physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help core stability, balance, fitness and strength, and can make the environment safer.
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Has anyone had comp[lete avulsion of hamstring plus tendons. Slipped on decking in October 2014. Still in a lot of pain in sit bone!!. Has anyone got any advice re recovery. Am due to have steroid...
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