Learn about pelvic fracture surgery, including the procedure, recovery time, and rehabilitation. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy supports your recovery with tailored rehabilitation programs in our advanced therapy gym.

Pelvic Fracture Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Pelvic Fracture Surgery?

Pelvic fracture surgery is typically performed when the pelvis is fractured due to trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or high-impact injury. Pelvic fractures can range from minor fractures that affect only one part of the pelvic bone to more severe fractures that involve multiple areas of the pelvis. Surgery is often necessary for fractures that are unstable, displaced, or unable to heal properly with conservative treatments alone.

The goal of pelvic fracture surgery is to realign the bones and stabilize the pelvis to allow for proper healing, while minimizing the risk of long-term complications like chronic pain, infection, or nerve damage.

Conditions Leading to Pelvic Fracture Surgery

Pelvic fractures can occur due to:

• High-energy trauma, such as car accidents, falls from height, or sports injuries.

• Osteoporosis, which can make bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.

• Bone metastasis, where cancer spreads to the bones and weakens them.

• Pelvic instability due to conditions like childbirth (in rare cases) or osteoporosis-related bone fractures.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Before surgery, your surgeon will use X-rays or a CT scan to determine the type and extent of the fracture.

   • Pre-surgical physiotherapy may be recommended to improve flexibility and strength, which can aid in recovery post-surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

   • The specific type of surgery performed depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Options include:

     • Internal fixation: Insertion of screws, plates, or rods to stabilize the fractured bone.

     • External fixation: Placement of external devices to support the pelvis while it heals.

     • Pelvic reconstruction: In severe cases, surgery may involve repairing or rebuilding the pelvic ring.

   • The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the fracture.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for several days for pain management and monitoring.

   • You may need to use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery to avoid putting weight on the pelvis.

   • You will begin gentle movement and range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery (Week 1):

  • During the first week after surgery, your focus will be on pain management, reducing swelling, and starting light movements to promote circulation.

  • Depending on the severity of the fracture, weight-bearing may be restricted in the first few weeks.

• Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

  • As you recover, you will begin physical therapy to improve mobility, strength, and balance.

  • Partial weight-bearing exercises may be introduced, along with range-of-motion exercises to regain function in the pelvis.

• Intermediate Recovery (1-3 Months):

  • During 1-3 months, you will progress to more intensive rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles around the pelvis and improve overall movement and coordination.

  • Strengthening exercises for the hip, thigh, and core will help restore stability to the pelvis.

• Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

  • Full recovery from pelvic fracture surgery typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

  • By this stage, you should be able to return to light physical activities and functional movement without pain.

Rehabilitation After Pelvic Fracture Surgery

Recovery from pelvic fracture surgery requires a structured rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and stability. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to help speed up your recovery and prevent complications.

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Prehabilitation focuses on building strength and flexibility before surgery to ensure a smoother recovery. We work with you to improve muscle strength around the pelvis and core stability through targeted exercises that can help you recover more effectively post-surgery.

2. Postoperative Rehabilitation:

   • After surgery, rehabilitation is crucial for regaining mobility and strength. Our post-surgical rehabilitation program focuses on the following phases:

3. Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Week 1-2)

   • Pain management and swelling reduction will be a priority, along with gentle range-of-motion exercises.

   • Early exercises will focus on improving circulation and reducing muscle stiffness.

4. Phase 2: Early Mobilization (Week 2-6)

   • Weight-bearing exercises may begin, depending on the severity of your pelvic fracture.

   • Exercises will include gentle strengthening of the hip, thigh, and core muscles to provide support to the pelvis.

   • We will also begin focusing on improving balance and gait.

5. Phase 3: Strengthening (Month 1-3)

   • By 1-3 months, we will begin incorporating more strength-building exercises and focus on improving core stability.

   • The goal is to help you regain function and strength in the muscles surrounding the pelvis to support proper movement patterns and avoid future injury.

6. Phase 4: Advanced Strengthening & Functional Movement (Month 3-6)

   • At 3-6 months, we will introduce functional movements such as squats, lunges, and balance exercises to help you return to daily activities.

   • You may also begin low-impact aerobic exercises such as cycling or swimming to increase cardiovascular endurance and maintain overall fitness.

7. Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

   • Rehabilitation Gym: Our fully equipped rehabilitation gym is designed to support your recovery with a range of strength training and functional exercises to regain flexibility, mobility, and strength.

   • We use specialized equipment such as resistance bands, balance boards, and weight machines to help you safely rebuild strength and stability around the pelvis.

   • Our physiotherapists will guide you through a personalized recovery plan tailored to your specific needs and progress.

8. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:

   • Our physiotherapists will track your progress throughout the recovery process, adjusting the rehabilitation plan as needed. Regular assessments will ensure that your recovery stays on track and that you continue to make progress toward full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from pelvic fracture surgery?

• Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months. However, recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the fracture and your overall health.

2. When can I start walking without assistance after pelvic fracture surgery?

• Most patients can begin walking without assistance around 4-6 weeks post-surgery, but this depends on the severity of the injury and the advice of your surgeon and physiotherapist.

3. Can I return to physical activity after pelvic fracture surgery?

• You can return to low-impact activities such as walking or swimming after 6-12 weeks. However, high-impact activities like running should be avoided for 3-6 months.

4. What should I avoid after pelvic fracture surgery?

• Avoid placing too much weight on the pelvic joint early in the recovery process. Follow the guidance of your healthcare team to ensure you're not overloading the joint.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs and recovery goals. Our physiotherapists work with you every step of the way to ensure your recovery is safe and effective. Whether you're recovering from pelvic fracture surgery or any other injury, we have the tools and expertise to help you regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Our advanced rehabilitation gym, expert physiotherapists, and personalised programs are here to guide you through the recovery process and help you return to your active lifestyle.