What are the symptoms of pelvis injuries?

The pelvis is the group of bones, including the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone, that connect the trunk to the legs and supports the spine. These pelvic bones can be broken or fractured. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, bruising, and pain, which may be alleviated by keeping the hips or knees in a fixed position.

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slips and falls
• Other accident where the body is crushed
• Adults with osteoporosis are more prone to fracturing a pelvic bone in an accident or fall
• Some teen athletes may also injure this area while playing sports

How is a pelvis injury diagnosed?

Medical attention is needed for a complete exam and to assess the extent of the injury through x-rays and/or CT (computed tomography) scans. The nerves and blood vessels in the legs are also checked for related damage.

How is a pelvis injury treated?

It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor injuries may only need pain medication and can heal as a person uses crutches to walk. Sometimes, because a person may not be moving the legs during the healing period, blood thinners are prescribed to avoid the formation of blood clots. In more extensive fractures or breaks, surgery is used to reconstruct or strengthen the pelvic bones and may require screws, stabilizing plates, and/or traction to ensure that the internal organs can heal and the area can recover.

What is the outcome for a pelvis injury?

With proper medical treatment, some pelvis injuries can heal well, though it may take some time to do so. A person may limp for months until healing is completed. With more extensive pelvis injuries, bleeding, internal organ damage, nerve damage, lingering pain and/or infection may happen as a result of the initial fracture or break.

If you have experienced a pelvis injury in a motor vehicle accident, fall, or other incident, we can help. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll-free) or contact us online for a free consultation.