Pelvic fractures are those associated with pain in the pelvic or hip region and pose a serious risk to the patient due to the complexity of the pelvic bones. Learn all about them!
Pelvic fractures can range from mild cases, which do not involve significant bone displacement, to severe injuries, with the potential to cause complications, compromise vital functions, and cause life-threatening bleeding due to blood vessels and nerves in the area.
In patients of different age groups, the consequences and treatments of these fractures can vary greatly, requiring an individualized approach. In men, erectile dysfunction can be a complication, and in some cases, a penile implant may be considered as a treatment option to improve sexual quality of life.
Learn more about this important topic!
What is a pelvic fracture?
Pelvic fractures refer to any type of injury to the hip bones, including the ilium, ischium, pubis, and sacrum, which form the pelvic ring.
These injuries are usually caused by high-intensity trauma, but everyday situations can lead to some disruption in the continuity of the pelvic bones.
These fractures can be classified as stable or unstable fractures, depending on how the pelvic ring is affected.
Depending on the severity and location of the trauma, complications can range from severe pain to significant dysfunctions.
Main causes of pelvic fractures
The main causes of pelvic fractures are related to severe trauma, such as:
- Falls from height;
- Slips;
- Car or motorcycle accidents.
Elderly patients are also susceptible to this type of fracture due to the prevalence of osteoporosis. This condition weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures even from minor impacts.
Athletes can suffer from a condition known as avulsion fracture, which occurs when a muscle or tendon detaches from the pelvis, pulling part of the bone.
Read also: Pelvic floor strengthening: importance and how to do it
Types of pelvic fractures
Pelvic injuries are classified into three types: stable, unstable, and open.
Stable fractures usually involve a single injury and do not cause significant bone displacement or major deformities.
Unstable fractures occur when multiple injuries compromise the pelvic ring, resulting in bone displacements and a higher probability of complications. These can affect internal organs, blood vessels, nerves, and musculoskeletal structures, in addition to causing severe bleeding and affecting mobility and quality of life.
There is also the open pelvic fracture, which exposes the bones to the external environment, increasing the risk of infection.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with pelvic fractures include:
- Pain in the groin and hip, especially when moving the leg or torso
- Bruising in the affected area
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Bleeding in more severe cases, due to injuries to large blood vessels located in the pelvis
How is the problem diagnosed?
To diagnose a pelvic fracture, the doctor may request an X-ray or a CT scan – particularly in the case of more complex fractures.
With imaging tests, it is possible to assess the degree of displacement, the extent, and the type of fracture, essential information for planning the appropriate treatment.
Recommended treatments
The treatment of pelvic fractures depends on the injury.
Stable fractures are usually treatable with rest, pain medication, and pelvic physiotherapy.
Unstable fractures require more care, including surgery to fix the bones, using plates, screws, or other devices.
In cases of severe pelvic fracture, the patient may need hospitalization in an emergency room to stabilize the injury before surgery.
Post-treatment care and recommendations
Regardless of the type of fracture, patients will need a period of rest, essential for bone stabilization. In many cases, rehabilitation continues with pelvic physiotherapy to restore strength and mobility in the region.
Patients who have suffered severe fractures and underwent surgery also need care to prevent complications such as infections and thrombosis.
Can pelvic surgeries cause erectile dysfunction?
The possibility of developing erectile dysfunction is a complication of pelvic fractures and surgeries. This risk exists when the nerves or blood vessels that supply the penis are permanently affected and damaged, especially in more complex cases, impairing penile function.
How to deal with impotence caused by pelvic fractures?
If pelvic fractures cause permanent erectile dysfunction, the placement of a malleable or inflatable penile prosthesis can be an alternative to improve penile rigidity. The choice of appropriate treatment depends on the recovery from the fracture and the medical evaluation.
It is important to note that for penile implant surgery, the patient must have fully recovered from the pelvic injury and surgeries. Only then can the impact of pelvic intervention on penile function be assessed.
Pelvic fractures can impact a man’s sexual life but are also very dangerous to the body’s functional integrity. Be aware of possible injury signs, such as pain in the region, and seek medical help whenever necessary.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of complications, contributing to a more effective recovery and the preservation of quality of life. To address erectile dysfunction resulting from the problem, get guidance from Dr. Paulo Egydio.
