Pelvic Fractures: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights

Pelvic fracture

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my sister.
She was in a car accident and has a fracture in her pelvis and a broken small bone in her lower leg (which has been casted).
However, she needs surgery for the pelvis.
She also has an injury to her pancreas, and we are waiting for her pancreatic bleeding to stabilize before proceeding with the surgery to insert screws.
I apologize for the questions, but could you please help me with the following:
1.
What are the risks associated with pelvic surgery and the insertion of screws?
2.
Is this procedure suitable for minimally invasive surgery? Is minimally invasive surgery better? I have searched online for related information but couldn't find the answers I was looking for.
What are the differences between minimally invasive surgery and traditional surgery?
3.
After this, will my sister be unable to walk? Will she have a risk of having one leg shorter than the other?

Bei Er, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/22

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

The question you raised is difficult to answer without an X-ray for reference and without knowing which bone is fractured.
If it is a simple fracture, the surgery is relatively straightforward.
However, if it is a complex fracture or one near the hip joint, it becomes more challenging.
For detailed information, it is best to consult the attending physician.

Reply Date: 2021/02/22

More Info

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries that can significantly impact a person's mobility and overall health. When a patient, such as your sister, suffers from a pelvic fracture due to a traumatic event like a car accident, it is crucial to understand the surgical options available, the associated risks, and the recovery process.

1. Risks of Pelvic Surgery with Internal Fixation
Surgical intervention for pelvic fractures typically involves the use of internal fixation devices, such as screws or plates, to stabilize the fractured bones. While this procedure is often necessary to restore stability and function, it does come with inherent risks. These risks include:
- Infection: Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection, particularly in an area as complex as the pelvis, which is close to various organs.

- Blood Loss: Pelvic fractures can be associated with significant blood loss, and surgery may exacerbate this risk.

- Nerve or Vascular Injury: The surgical approach may inadvertently damage nearby nerves or blood vessels, leading to complications such as numbness or impaired circulation.

- Nonunion or Malunion: There is a possibility that the bones may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain or functional impairment.

Given your sister's additional injuries, such as pancreatic trauma, careful monitoring and management of her overall health will be essential during the surgical process.

2. Minimally Invasive Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an approach that uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to perform the procedure. This technique can offer several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:
- Reduced Recovery Time: Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times with MIS.

- Less Pain and Scarring: Smaller incisions typically result in less postoperative pain and minimal scarring.

- Lower Risk of Complications: The reduced trauma to surrounding tissues can lead to fewer complications.

However, not all pelvic fractures are amenable to minimally invasive techniques. The decision to use MIS versus traditional surgery depends on the fracture's complexity, the surgeon's expertise, and the patient's overall condition. It is essential to discuss these options with the orthopedic surgeon to determine the best approach for your sister's specific situation.

3. Long-Term Mobility and Potential Complications
After surgery for a pelvic fracture, many patients can regain their ability to walk, but the extent of recovery can vary widely based on several factors, including:
- Severity of the Fracture: More complex fractures may lead to longer recovery times and more significant functional limitations.

- Quality of Surgical Repair: Proper alignment and stabilization of the fracture during surgery are crucial for optimal healing.

- Rehabilitation: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program is vital for regaining strength and mobility. Physical therapy will play a significant role in helping your sister regain her walking ability.

Regarding concerns about "short leg syndrome," this condition can occur if there is a significant difference in leg length due to the fracture or surgical intervention. However, with appropriate surgical techniques and rehabilitation, many patients do not experience this issue. Regular follow-up appointments with the orthopedic surgeon will be necessary to monitor healing and address any concerns about leg length discrepancies.

Conclusion
In summary, your sister's situation requires careful consideration of the surgical options available for her pelvic fracture. While there are risks associated with surgery, the potential benefits of restoring stability and function are significant. Minimally invasive techniques may offer advantages, but the decision should be made collaboratively with her healthcare team. With proper surgical intervention and rehabilitation, many patients can return to their daily activities and regain mobility. It is essential to maintain open communication with her medical team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Similar Q&A

Can Pelvic Fractures Be Repaired? A Case Study of Recovery Options

My sister was in a car accident, and her pelvis was run over by a garbage truck. The doctor diagnosed her with a shattered pelvis, and the section near the femur is almost completely broken. There is significant bleeding from the nerves, and she has already undergone surgery to c...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Pelvic fractures are a serious major trauma, and their impact extends beyond the pelvic bones themselves to include issues related to nerves, blood vessels, the reproductive system, and the presence of open wounds. Therefore, each patient's condition is different. If there i...

Understanding Pelvic Fractures and Hip Replacement Recovery

Hello, three years ago I was in a car accident that resulted in a complete fracture of my right pelvis down to the acetabulum. I also suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee, which required two surgeries. After the reconstruction, it inexplicably tore again six...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, a complete pelvic fracture to the acetabulum has resulted in a total hip arthroplasty. The pelvis will still influence weight-bearing pressure; it will not change due to the total hip prosthesis. The discomfort mentioned may require diligent rehabilitation. If there are an...

Understanding Complex Pelvic Fractures and Their Treatment Options

Dear Doctor, My husband is the patient who was involved in a car accident on January 28, 2022. The medical summary indicates that he sustained a comminuted fracture of the right acetabulum with mild displacement, as well as contusions and lacerations to the forehead, and a concu...

Dr. Wang Jiacheng reply Orthopedics
After a hip joint fracture, there is a possibility of developing arthritis many years later, which requires ongoing monitoring. As for bladder issues, it may be necessary to consult a urologist.

Understanding Pubic Bone Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your opinion because my family member was in a car accident. An X-ray revealed a displaced fracture of the left pubis, a fracture above the right pubis, an open fracture of the left femur, a fractured left patella, and intracranial hemorrhag...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The pubis is a bone that surrounds the pelvis, which functions like a ring, with ligaments and muscles attached to the surrounding bones. If there is a fracture on only one side of the pubis, it is considered a stable fracture, and surgical intervention may not be necessary. Howe...