Pelvic Fracture Treatment in New Bern, NC
A pelvic fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the pelvic ring and can range from a stable injury to a complex fracture involving significant bone displacement or damage to surrounding structures. Pelvic fractures may occur after falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or other high-energy trauma and can cause severe pain and difficulty standing or walking. Dr. Chris Hoedt provides specialized orthopedic evaluation and treatment for pelvic fractures in New Bern, NC, and throughout Eastern North Carolina. Treatment is tailored to the severity and stability of the fracture and may include conservative care or surgical fixation when appropriate.
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What are Pelvic Fractures?
A pelvic fracture is a condition that occurs due to the breakage of the pelvic bone. It may cause damage to the internal organs, nerves and blood vessels associated with the pelvic region.
The pelvic bone is a circular arrangement of bones connected with the help of strong ligaments to the lowermost region of the spine called the sacrum. It is composed of three bones that are fused together, namely the ilium, ischium, and pubis. The sides of the pelvis form cup-shaped sockets known as the acetabulum.
Various organs related to the digestive and reproductive systems lie within the pelvic ring. Several large nerves and blood vessels supplying the lower limbs pass through the pelvis. The pelvis ring also acts as a point of attachment for muscles approaching from the upper and lower part of the body.
Based on the damage to the pelvic ring and associated structures, pelvic fractures can be categorized as:
Stable pelvic fractures: These have a single point of breakage in the pelvic ring and the broken bones remain in position. It is associated with less bleeding.
Unstable pelvic fractures: This type involves breakage at two or more points and is associated with severe internal bleeding and damage to the internal organs. It may cause shock, requiring immediate medical care followed by long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation.
What Causes Pelvic Fractures?
The common causes of pelvic fractures include:
- Sports injuries or trauma
- Abrupt muscle contraction
- Conditions such as osteoporosis, especially in the elderly
- Accidental injury or fall from a great height
What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Fractures?
The common symptoms associated with pelvic fractures are:
- Pain and swelling in the groin or hip region that may worsen with ambulation
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding through the urethra or vagina and the rectum
- Problems in urination
- Inability to stand or walk
How are Pelvic Fractures Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses pelvic fractures with a thorough physical examination that would include an examination of the functionality of the various organs present in the pelvic region. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT, and MRI scans may also be ordered to confirm the fracture. In some cases, additional contrast studies with a radioactive dye may be recommended to evaluate the structural and functional activity of organs such as the urethra, bladder, and the pelvic blood vessels.
How are Pelvic Fractures Treated?
The treatment of a pelvic fracture depends upon the severity of the injury and your condition. Minor or stable fractures can be treated with conservative methods such as rest, medications, use of crutches, physical therapy and if required, minor surgery. These methods may take 8–12 months for complete healing.
The treatment of unstable fractures includes the management of bleeding and injuries to the internal organs, blood vessels and nerves. Surgical intervention may be employed for fixation of the fractured pelvic bones using screws and plates. Fixation provides stability to the pelvic bone and promotes natural healing of the fracture.
Dr. Chris Hoedt Orthopaedic Surgeon Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
Dr. Hoedt specializes in hip and knee replacement and revisions (redos). His fellowship was in Adult Reconstruction at the University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys doing research and helps select articles for publication in some of the top adult reconstruction journals. Dr. Hoedt practiced in Nashville, TN for a couple of years before deploying with the US Army.
Why Choose Dr. Hoedt for Pelvic Fracture Treatment in New Bern, NC?
Pelvic fractures can vary considerably in severity and may involve the bones, joints, surrounding muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs. Careful assessment is essential to determine the stability of the fracture and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Hoedt:
- Specialized Orthopedic Expertise: Provides comprehensive care for complex fractures and injuries affecting the hip and pelvic region.
- Detailed Fracture Evaluation: Uses clinical assessment and appropriate imaging to understand the location, pattern, and stability of the fracture.
- Personalized Treatment Planning: Develops treatment recommendations based on the severity of the injury, bone health, and individual needs.
- Non-Surgical and Surgical Options: Stable fractures may be managed conservatively, while unstable or displaced fractures may require surgical fixation.
- Advanced Fracture Fixation: When surgery is necessary, techniques using plates, screws, or other fixation devices may be considered.
- Focus on Stability and Function: Treatment is planned to support appropriate alignment, fracture healing, and restoration of mobility.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation Guidance: Provides guidance regarding activity, weight-bearing, physical therapy, and follow-up care.
- Serving Greenville and Eastern North Carolina: Provides specialized orthopedic fracture care for patients in Greenville, Pitt County, and surrounding communities.
Pelvic Fracture FAQs
What is a pelvic fracture?
A pelvic fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the pelvic ring. Pelvic fractures can be stable, where the bones remain relatively aligned, or unstable, where multiple breaks or significant displacement may compromise the stability of the pelvis and surrounding structures.
What causes a pelvic fracture?
Pelvic fractures can result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, or sports injuries. In older adults or people with weakened bones, including osteoporosis, a pelvic fracture may occur after a lower-energy fall or injury.
What are the symptoms of a pelvic fracture?
Common symptoms include pain and swelling around the pelvis, hip, groin, or lower abdomen, difficulty standing or walking, and increased pain with movement. Severe pelvic injuries can also be associated with internal bleeding or injuries to surrounding organs, nerves, or blood vessels and require urgent medical attention.
How is a pelvic fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and review of the injury. X-rays are commonly used to identify pelvic fractures, while CT scans can provide more detailed information about the fracture pattern and stability. Additional testing may be required when an injury to the urinary or other internal structures is suspected.
How are pelvic fractures treated?
Treatment depends on the type, stability, and severity of the fracture. Stable fractures may be treated with rest, pain management, crutches or other assistive devices, and physical therapy. Unstable or displaced fractures may require surgical fixation using plates, screws, or other stabilisation techniques. Severe injuries involving internal bleeding or organ damage may require emergency multidisciplinary care.
Schedule a Pelvic Fracture Consultation in New Bern, NC
A pelvic fracture can make standing, walking, and everyday movement extremely difficult and may require prompt medical evaluation. If you have experienced a fall, accident, or sports injury followed by significant pelvic, hip, or groin pain, Dr. Chris Hoedt can evaluate your fracture and discuss appropriate treatment options. Patients seeking pelvic fracture treatment in New Bern, NC, as well as throughout Eastern North Carolina, can receive personalized orthopedic care focused on fracture stability, healing, and recovery. Contact Dr. Hoedt today to schedule a consultation.
- New Bern
- Request An Appointment
