Moving safely while a broken pelvis heals
An orthopedic trauma surgeon and a pelvic rehabilitation therapist on getting around after a crash
The pelvis holds up the upper body and links it to the legs. A crash can break it in more than one place. Some breaks are stable, while others call for surgery. They may also come with damage to blood vessels, the bladder or other areas. The orthopedic trauma surgeon sets the plan for healing and for how much weight you can bear. A physical therapist shows you how to follow that plan safely when you walk, move between surfaces and do daily tasks. [1]
Know how much weight each leg can take
Ask if each leg can take full weight, partial weight or none. Ask how long the rule will apply and which test or checkup could change it. Your therapist can teach you how to get into and out of bed and how to use the toilet. Ask them to cover stairs if you’ll need to climb any, plus your walker, crutches or wheelchair. Practice all of it before you go home. Don’t use your pain level to guess what’s allowed. [1]
Look at the whole injury
Ask if your bladder, bowel, nerves or blood vessels were also hurt. Report new trouble urinating, blood in your urine, new numbness or losing control of your bowel or bladder. If you were prescribed a blood thinner to prevent clots, know the dose and the date you’ll stop taking it. Learn what kinds of bleeding to report. Line up help with shopping, bathing and rides if you can’t safely manage them. [1]
Signs that need urgent care
Get emergency care for new, severe pain in the pelvis or belly, fainting or being unable to urinate. The same goes for sudden weakness in a leg, chest pain or trouble breathing. If a leg swells and hurts, get it checked promptly. Go to your follow up visit, even once moving gets easier. Your care team still needs to check how you’re healing and when you can bear more weight. [1]
Bring these questions to your surgeon
- How much weight can each leg take?
- Which equipment and what kind of help should I have at home?
- Did I hurt any nerves or blood vessels, or my bladder or bowel?
Test your transfers with your own equipment
Ask the therapist to watch you do one transfer in and out of bed and one in the bathroom. Use the same equipment you’ll have at home. [1]
Sources and further reading
This piece offers general information drawn from orthopedic trauma care and rehab. Pelvic fractures differ a great deal from person to person. Stick to the limits set for your own fracture and surgery.
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