Version July 2025
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What is a pelvic fracture? —
This is when the pelvis bone breaks (figure 1). A "fracture" is another word for a broken bone.
Some pelvic fractures happen after falls or sports injuries. But most happen from car accidents or other severe injuries. In these cases, the organs, nerves, and blood vessels near the pelvis might also be damaged.
When a bone breaks, it might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.
There are different types of fractures, depending on which part of the bone breaks and how. Examples include:
●"Open" fracture – This is when the bone sticks out of the skin or can be seen through a wound.
●"Closed" fracture – This is when the bone does not stick out of the skin and cannot be seen through a wound.
●"Stress fracture" – This is caused by overuse. It often happens in the foot or shin bones. It is more common in people who do an activity over and over, such as running, jumping, or dancing.
●"Avulsion" fracture – This is when a person moves a joint forcefully, and a ligament or tendon stretches or tears. It can pull so hard on the bone a small part of the bone cracks or breaks off.
What are the symptoms of a pelvic fracture? —
Symptoms depend on which part of the pelvis breaks and the type of break. Common symptoms can include:
●Pain, swelling, or bruising over the area
●Not being able to walk or put weight on the legs
●Weakness or numbness in the legs
●Serious bleeding, if the fracture is severe
If a fracture injures a nerve, this can also cause symptoms in nearby areas. For example, a break to the pelvic bone might cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
Is there a test for a pelvic fracture? —
Yes. The doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms, do an exam, and take an X-ray.
They might also do other imaging tests, such as a CT, MRI, or ultrasound. These create pictures of the inside of the body.
How are pelvic fractures treated? —
Treatment depends, in part, on the type of fracture and how serious it is. The goal is to have the ends of the broken bone line up with each other so the bone can heal.
For minor fractures, the doctor will put a splint or other binding material around the pelvis. This keeps the bone in the correct position so it can heal.
More serious fractures usually need treatment in the hospital. There, doctors can do surgery to put the bone back in the correct position. During surgery, they can use screws, pins, rods, or plates to fix the bone inside the body. This is called "open fracture reduction."
How long does a pelvic fracture take to heal? —
Most take months to heal. The doctor or nurse will talk to you about when to return to things like work, sports, or other activities.
Healing time also depends on the person. Healthy children usually heal much more quickly than older adults or adults with other medical problems.
How do I care for myself at home? —
To care for yourself or your child at home:
●Follow the doctor's instructions for wearing the splint or binding. This supports and protects the bone as it heals.
●Follow all instructions for using a walker, crutches, or cane. Make sure you know how much weight you can put on your legs. This can range from partial weightbearing to full weightbearing.
●Follow instructions for limiting activity and movement until the bone is healed. The doctor or nurse will tell you what activities are safe to do.
●The doctor might recommend you take an over-the-counter pain medicine. These include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●You might get a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time. Follow the instructions for taking these.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and the splint or binding. Ice for at least 1 to 2 days after an injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 3 to 5 days.
●Eat a healthy diet that includes getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein (figure 2).
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●You might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert) after your fracture heals. They will teach you exercises to make the muscles around your pelvis stronger. They will also work with you on bending, walking, and climbing stairs so you can move normally again.
When should I call my doctor or nurse? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
●Feel short of breath, or have trouble breathing
●Have sharp or severe chest pain when breathing
●Cough up blood
Call the doctor or nurse for advice if:
●Your legs get swollen or start to hurt more.
●The splint or binding feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your toes turn pale, blue, or gray.
●The splint or binding feels too loose.
●You have less feeling or movement in your toes.
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a cane (The Basics)
