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Pelvic Ring Fracture

Medical term: Pelvic Ring Disruption

Overview

A pelvic ring fracture involves a break in the bony ring formed by the sacrum and the two innominate bones of the pelvis. Because the pelvis is a closed ring, a fracture in one location is often accompanied by a second injury elsewhere in the ring, which may include ligament disruption or a second fracture. These injuries most commonly result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle accidents, or falls from height.

Pelvic ring fractures range from stable injuries that heal with activity restriction to life-threatening disruptions that require emergency surgery to control bleeding and restore skeletal stability. Our San Diego trauma surgery team has extensive experience managing the full spectrum of pelvic ring injuries, from initial stabilization through definitive surgical repair and rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is a pelvic ring fracture?
Pelvic ring fractures are among the most serious skeletal injuries. Because the pelvis protects major blood vessels and organs, these fractures can be life-threatening and require urgent evaluation by a trauma team.
Will I need surgery for a pelvic ring fracture?
Many unstable pelvic ring fractures require surgical stabilization to restore alignment and allow safe weight bearing. Stable fractures may be managed with protected weight bearing and close monitoring.
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