Fractures of the Pelvis
Definition
A pelvic fracture is a break in one or more bones of the pelvis.
The pelvis is a butterfly-shaped group of bones located at the base of the spine. It is made up of three bones:
- The sacrum: which is a central triangular shaped bone which forms the base of the spine and at it's tip joins on to the coccyx
- Two innominate bones: these are the large bones either side of the sacrum. The hip socket (or acetabulum) is a part of the innominate bones. The thigh bone or femur fits into the socket forming the hip joint.
Pelvic fractures range widely in severity. A mild fracture (for example, one that occurs only at the part of the pelvis called the pubic rami) may heal in several weeks without surgery.
However, a serious pelvic fracture, such as ones sustained in car and motorbike accidents, can be a life-threatening event requiring emergency medical care, surgery and long period of recovery. It often also involves damage to nearby internal organs.
15 August, 2011