A broken pelvis is when the bone in your pelvis gets cracked or fractured. The pelvis is the big, strong bone at the bottom of your spine. When it breaks, it can really hurt and make it hard to move around. Sometimes, you might need to rest a lot or even have surgery to fix it. It’s important to be careful and get help if you think you might have a broken pelvis.
If you got hurt in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and broke your pelvis, you can contact the Phillips Law Offices. You can call us at (312) 598-0917 or visit our website to book a free meeting with us.
Understanding Broken Pelvis Injury
What is a broken pelvis?
The pelvis, or hip bone, is a sturdy structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs. A broken pelvis involves a fracture in one or more of the bones that make up this area, namely the ilium, ischium, and pubis. These fractures can range from minor cracks to severe breaks, depending on the force of impact.
Causes of broken pelvis injury
Broken pelvis injuries commonly result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, or direct blows to the pelvic region. Additionally, osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, can increase the risk of pelvic fractures, especially in older adults.
Types of Pelvic Fractures
- Simple Breaks: This is when the pelvis bone cracks in one spot.
- Complex Breaks: These are more serious. The pelvis bone might break in multiple places or shatter into smaller pieces.
- Stable Fractures: The broken pieces of bone stay in place and don’t move around much.
- Unstable Fractures: The broken pieces of bone move around and might need surgery to fix them.
Common Causes of Pelvic Injuries
- Falls: Falling down from a height or slipping on something can cause pelvic fractures.
- Car Accidents: Getting hit hard in a car crash can break your pelvis.
- Sports Injuries: Playing sports where you might get tackled or hit hard can also cause pelvic fractures.
- Injury from Violence: Sometimes, getting hit or kicked hard in a fight can break your pelvis too.
Pelvic Fracture Symptoms and Diagnosis
Recognizing Symptoms of a Broken Pelvis
When someone has a broken pelvis, they usually feel a lot of pain in their pelvic area. This pain can be really intense, especially when they try to move or put weight on it. Sometimes, it’s hard for them to walk or even stand up straight because of the pain. Their pelvic area might also look bigger than normal because of swelling, and they might see bruising or color changes around there too. Sometimes, they might have trouble peeing, or they might feel numbness or tingling in their pelvic region or legs.
Diagnostic Procedures for Pelvic Fractures
Doctors have different ways to find out if someone has a broken pelvis. One way is using X-rays, which are like special pictures that show the bones inside. These can help doctors see if there are any breaks or cracks in the pelvis bones. Another way is called a CT scan, which is like a super detailed X-ray that shows more about the bones and what’s around them. Sometimes, doctors might use an MRI, which shows even more details about soft tissues like muscles and ligaments. They might also gently touch around the pelvic area to see if it hurts or feels strange. Sometimes, they do blood tests to check for signs of bleeding or infection, which can happen with a broken pelvis.
Treatment Options For Pelvic Fracture
Non-surgical Treatment Approaches
If someone has a broken pelvis but it’s not too severe, doctors might choose non-surgical treatments. These could include things like resting a lot and not putting weight on the pelvis for a while. They might use special supports like crutches or a walker to help them move around without putting pressure on the pelvis. Sometimes, they might also need to wear a brace or special belt to keep the pelvis stable while it heals. Doctors might also give them pain medicine to help with the discomfort.
Surgical Interventions for Pelvic Fractures
When a pelvis is severely broken, surgery might be needed to fix it. During surgery, doctors can put the broken pieces of bone back together using special tools like screws, plates, or rods. This helps to keep the pelvis stable and allows it to heal properly. In some cases, doctors might need to remove damaged tissue or repair other injuries that happened along with the pelvic fracture during the surgery. After surgery, the person might need to stay in the hospital for a while to recover, and they might need physical therapy to help them regain strength and movement in their pelvis.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Importance of Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is really important after someone has had a pelvic injury because it helps them get back to their normal activities. It’s like a plan to help them heal and get stronger. During rehabilitation, they learn how to move safely and build up their strength again. It can also help reduce pain and stiffness in the pelvis. Rehabilitation can include things like exercises, physical therapy, and sometimes even counseling to help with any emotional challenges they might be facing because of the injury.
Exercises and Therapy for Pelvic Injury Recovery
There are different exercises and therapies that can help someone recover from a pelvic injury. One common type is called physical therapy, where a therapist teaches them specific exercises to strengthen their pelvic muscles and improve their flexibility. These exercises might include things like gentle stretches, strengthening exercises, and balance training. Sometimes, they might also use special equipment like resistance bands or stability balls to make the exercises more effective. The goal is to gradually increase their strength and mobility so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy.
Preventing Pelvic Injuries
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Pelvic Fractures
There are some simple things people can do to lower their chances of getting a pelvic fracture. One important tip is to make sure homes are safe by removing tripping hazards like loose rugs and keeping floors clear. Wearing proper safety gear, like helmets and seat belts, can help prevent pelvic injuries during activities like biking and driving. It’s also a good idea to be careful on slippery surfaces, like wet floors or icy sidewalks, and to use handrails when going up and down stairs. Lastly, staying active and doing exercises to strengthen muscles can help improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls.
Safety Measures in High-risk Situations
In situations where there’s a higher risk of pelvic injuries, it’s important to take extra precautions. For example, in sports like skiing or horseback riding, wearing protective gear such as helmets and padding can help prevent injuries. When working with heavy machinery or doing construction work, following safety protocols and using proper lifting techniques can reduce the risk of accidents that could lead to pelvic fractures. In situations where violence or assault is a concern, it’s important to seek help and find ways to stay safe, such as avoiding dangerous areas and learning self-defense techniques.
Seek Justice for Your Pelvis Injury – Contact Us Now!
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights and suffered a pelvis injury in Chicago, it’s important to take action now. Our team at Phillips Law Offices is here to help you navigate through the legal process and fight for your rights. We understand the challenges you may be facing, and we’re committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Call us now (312) 598-0917 or Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your pelvis injury compensation claim.
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