What is Pelvic Fracture Stabilization ?

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Why do you need Pelvic Fracture Stabilization ?

Pelvic fracture stabilization is indicated for:

  • Unstable pelvic fractures: High-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls from height) causing disruption of the pelvic ring (e.g., vertical shear, lateral compression, or open book fractures).
  • Hemodynamic instability: Fractures causing significant bleeding (e.g., from venous plexus or iliac vessels), often requiring urgent stabilization.
  • Associated injuries: Fractures with bladder/urethral injury, nerve damage, or sacral fractures.
  • Stable fractures with displacement: Fractures causing deformity or pain, even if not hemodynamically unstable.
  • Acetabular fractures: Fractures involving the hip socket, often requiring stabilization to restore joint function.

The procedure aims to restore pelvic alignment, control bleeding, and enable early mobilization.

Why Do Pelvic Fracture Stabilization Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Pelvic Fracture Stabilization Procedure

The approach depends on the fracture pattern, patient stability, and associated injuries:

  1. Before Procedure Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam: Pelvic tenderness, deformity, or instability (e.g., springing test).
      • X-rays (AP, inlet, outlet views) and CT scan assess fracture pattern and displacement.
      • Blood tests evaluate hemoglobin (for bleeding) and organ function.
      • FAST ultrasound or CT identifies intra-abdominal bleeding or organ injury.
    • IV fluids, blood transfusions, and pain management stabilize the patient.
    • Urologic assessment (e.g., retrograde urethrogram) rules out bladder/urethral injury.
  2. Stabilization Techniques:
    • Non-Surgical (Conservative) Management:
      • For stable fractures with minimal displacement (e.g., isolated pubic ramus fractures).
      • Bed rest (2–6 weeks), pain control, and limited weight-bearing with crutches.
      • Pelvic binder or sling may be used to reduce displacement and bleeding in the acute phase.
    • Emergency Stabilization (for Hemodynamic Instability):
      • Pelvic Binder/Sheet:
        • Applied at the level of the greater trochanters to close the pelvic ring and tamponade bleeding.
        • Used in the field or ER as a temporary measure.
      • External Fixation:
        • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 30–60 minutes.
        • Pins are inserted into the iliac crests, connected by an external frame to stabilize the pelvis.
        • Controls bleeding (e.g., venous, cancellous bone) and stabilizes the pelvis within hours of injury.
      • Angiographic Embolization:
        • For arterial bleeding (e.g., internal iliac artery), performed by an interventional radiologist.
        • Often combined with external fixation for unstable patients.
    • Definitive Surgical Stabilization:
      • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):
        • Performed 3–7 days after injury, once the patient is stable, lasting 2–4 hours.
        • Incisions over the pelvis (e.g., anterior Pfannenstiel approach, posterior sacroiliac approach).
        • Fractures are realigned, and plates/screws are used to fix the pelvic ring (e.g., symphysis pubis, sacroiliac joint).
        • Sacral fractures may require sacroiliac screws or plates.
      • Percutaneous Fixation:
        • Minimally invasive, using fluoroscopy to place screws (e.g., iliosacral screws) through small incisions.
        • Suitable for posterior pelvic ring injuries with minimal soft tissue damage.
      • Acetabular Fracture Fixation:
        • ORIF of the acetabulum restores the hip joint surface, often using specialized plates/screws.
        • Takes 3–5 hours; may require a separate procedure if the pelvic ring is also involved.
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored in the ward or ICU (if unstable) for 3–7 days.
    • Pain is managed with analgesics (e.g., morphine, NSAIDs); antibiotics prevent infection.
    • Weight-bearing status: Non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing with crutches for 6–12 weeks.
    • Follow-up X-rays assess healing and alignment.

Recovery After Pelvic Fracture Stabilization

  1. Hospital Stay: 3–10 days, depending on surgery and complications.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain managed with analgesics; limb elevation reduces swelling.
    • Antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) for 3–5 days prevent infection.
    • Physical therapy starts early: Bedside exercises (e.g., ankle pumps) to prevent stiffness, progressing to assisted walking with crutches.
    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis (e.g., low-molecular-weight heparin) for 4–6 weeks.
  3. Activity/Diet:
    • Non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing for 6–12 weeks; full weight-bearing after 3–6 months.
    • Normal diet; high-protein intake (e.g., eggs, lean meat) supports healing.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months; X-rays monitor healing.
    • Physical therapy for 3–6 months restores mobility and strength.

Most resume normal activities in 3–6 months; full recovery (e.g., sports) may take 6–12 months. Functional outcomes are 80–90% with stable fixation; unstable fractures or delays worsen prognosis.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding (5–10%, higher with embolization), infection (3–5%), nerve injury (e.g., sciatic nerve, 1–3%).
  • Fixation Issues: Implant failure, malunion, or nonunion (5–10%).
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, DVT (10–20%), pulmonary embolism (1–3%).
  • Long-Term: Chronic pain (10–20%), limp, arthritis (if acetabulum involved), sexual/urinary dysfunction (pelvic nerve injury, 2–5%).

Report fever, severe pain, or swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes pelvic fractures?

High-energy trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls), or low-energy in the elderly (e.g., osteoporosis).

Is surgery always needed?

No, stable fractures with minimal displacement can be managed conservatively; unstable fractures require surgery.

How urgent is stabilization?

Immediate for hemodynamic instability (e.g., bleeding); definitive fixation can wait 3–7 days if the patient is stable.

How soon can I walk?

Partial weight-bearing with crutches in 6–12 weeks; full weight-bearing in 3–6 months.

Is it covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for trauma; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, swelling, or difficulty urinating.

Will I regain full function?

80–90% recover well with timely surgery; chronic pain or limp may persist in complex cases.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Physical therapy, avoid high-impact activities during recovery, DVT prophylaxis, manage osteoporosis (if applicable).

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Pelvic Fracture Stabilization

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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