You have a break or fracture of the pelvic bone. Your fracture is stable because the bones are not out of place and there are no signs of serious internal bleeding. No surgery or other special treatment will be needed. As long as your pain is controlled by oral medicine, you can be treated at home. A broken pelvis will take about 12 weeks to heal. It can be painful to move for the first 3 to 4 weeks.
Home care
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Physical therapy and pain medicine are treatments for stable pelvic fractures. During this time, you will need help with bathing, using the bathroom, and meals. A bedpan or bedside commode may be easier to use than getting up to use the bathroom. As soon as possible, begin sitting or walking to prevent problems with prolonged bed rest (muscle weakness, back stiffness and pain that get worse, or blood clots in the legs). A walker, crutches, or cane will make walking easier in the first few weeks. If you have injuries above both legs, you may need to use a wheelchair for a period of time so that you can keep from bearing weight on either leg.
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Home health care may be available to provide in-home nursing services. Check with your health care provider, the hospital’s social service department, or a private nursing agency to see if your insurance will cover this kind of care.
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During the first 2 days after the injury there will probably be localized swelling and bruising on the skin over the pelvis. During this time apply an ice pack to the painful area for no more than 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours to reduce swelling and pain. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the ice pack in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on your skin.
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You may use over-the-counter pain medicine to control pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. Take pain medicine as directed. Call your healthcare provider if your pain is not well-controlled. A dose change or stronger medicine may be needed. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, have had ulcers, or are taking blood thinners.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. This will help to make sure the bone is healing correctly.
If X-rays were taken, you will be told of any new findings that may affect your care.
Call 911
Call
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Increasing swelling, pain or redness of a leg.
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Chest pain or shortness of breath.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
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Pain becomes worse or you are unable to walk with help for more than 3 days.
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Blood in your urine or bleeding from the urethra (the opening where urine comes out).
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Trouble passing urine or unable to pass stool due to pain.
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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Chills.
