Post-Pelvic Fracture: Leg Pain and Discomfort

Post-pelvic fracture, there may be symptoms of lower limb soreness and cramping?

Hello doctor, about four months ago I was in a car accident and sustained a pelvic fracture (lower right side of the pelvis).
The doctor said there was no bleeding and minimal displacement, so surgery was not necessary.
After lying down for a month, I was able to start using a wheelchair.
However, during my follow-up appointment about a month ago, the doctor said I could walk normally.
Since I started walking, I frequently experience sharp pain in my right thigh and overall soreness in my lower back.
Sometimes, when I lie down, I feel pain from my pelvis all the way to my spine.
What could this situation be? Should I make another appointment to get it checked?

Emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/25

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Prolonged inactivity may lead to lower back pain, and it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/02/25

More Info

After experiencing a pelvic fracture, particularly from a traumatic event like a car accident, it's not uncommon to encounter ongoing pain and discomfort in the legs and lower back. The symptoms you're describing—thigh cramps, lower back pain, and discomfort radiating from the pelvis to the spine—can be attributed to several factors related to your injury and recovery process.

First, it's essential to understand that pelvic fractures can lead to changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and surrounding structures. Even if the fracture was stable and did not require surgical intervention, the healing process can still result in muscular imbalances, stiffness, and altered movement patterns. When you begin to walk again after a period of immobilization, your muscles may not be fully conditioned, leading to overuse injuries or muscle cramps, particularly in the thigh.

Additionally, the pelvis serves as a critical junction for many muscles and ligaments that support the lower body and spine. If the pelvic alignment is slightly off due to the fracture or the healing process, it can lead to compensatory movements that put extra strain on the muscles of the thigh and lower back. This could explain the thigh cramps and the discomfort you're feeling in your lower back.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing referred pain from the pelvic region. The nerves that supply sensation to the thigh and lower back can be affected by the injury, leading to pain that feels like it's originating from those areas even if the source is elsewhere.
Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for a month after being cleared to walk, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider again. They may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to ensure that there are no complications from the fracture, such as nonunion or malunion, which could be contributing to your pain.
In terms of management, physical therapy could be highly beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your movement patterns, strength, and flexibility, and develop a tailored rehabilitation program to address any imbalances and improve your overall function. They can also provide modalities for pain relief, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around the pelvis and lower back, which can help alleviate pain.

In the meantime, consider incorporating gentle stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine, focusing on the hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. Additionally, using heat or ice on the affected areas may provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort.

In summary, while your symptoms are not uncommon following a pelvic fracture, they warrant further evaluation to rule out any complications and to ensure that you are on the right path to recovery. Engaging with a healthcare professional, particularly a physical therapist, will be crucial in managing your pain and restoring your function effectively.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Concerns After Pelvic Fracture: What to Expect

Hello, Doctor. Last month, I suffered a left pelvic fracture due to a car accident. About a week before the surgery, the hospital performed pelvic traction on me. I had surgery where I opted for the implantation of a steel plate and two bone screws at my own expense. It has been ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. There may be issues related to nerve injury, and poor circulation is also a possibility. 2. Improvement is also possible. 3. Whether the plate should be removed should be discussed with the surgeon, as some plates are difficult to remove.

Managing Pain After Pelvic and Thigh Surgery in Cold or Rainy Weather

My daughter suffered an open fracture of both sides of her pelvis and thigh due to a car accident. She underwent surgery and had an external fixator for three months, which has now been removed for about three to four months. However, she experiences significant soreness and pain...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, after a fracture has healed, approximately 40% of patients may experience soreness when there are sudden changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure. You can try applying a warm compress to the affected area, which may provide relief. If the effect is not significant, y...

Managing Pain After Pelvic Fracture: Tips for Recovery

I have diabetes and osteoporosis. Three months ago, I fell and sustained a pelvic fracture, which has since healed, but I still experience pain while walking. At night, I can only sleep on my side, as one side is painful and cannot touch the bed. I would like to ask the doctor wh...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Pelvic fractures typically heal within three months, but it is possible to experience pain during this time. Pain relief can be managed with analgesics, and it is advisable to avoid excessive movement. Applying heat can also help alleviate discomfort.

Understanding Gluteal Muscle Tears: Recovery Challenges and Symptoms

Hello, Director Wang. I have a left gluteus medius tear that has not healed after three weeks. I slipped in the bathroom the day before yesterday and re-injured it (my foot split apart without impact). At that moment, I only felt a sharp pain in my hip, and the area was larger th...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
A hematoma caused by a laceration may compress nerves, leading to related symptoms, or there may have been nerve damage at the time of the fall, resulting in abnormal postures during sitting or lying down that could trigger nerve compression symptoms. It is advisable to seek cons...