Prevention
As the human body ages, the bones become weaker and brittle and are therefore more susceptible to fractures. Certain precautions are crucial in order to lower the risk of getting pelvic fractures. The most damaging is one from a car accident, cycling accident, or falling from a high building which can result in a high energy injury. This can be very dangerous because the pelvis supports many internal organs and can damage these organs. Falling is one of the most common causes of pelvic fracture. Therefore, proper precautions should be taken to prevent this from happening. Treatment
A pelvic fracture is often complicated and treatment can be a long and painful process. Depending on the severity, pelvic fractures can be treated with or without surgery. Initial
A high index of suspicion should be held for pelvic injuries in anyone with major trauma. The pelvis should be stabilized with a pelvic binder. This can be a purpose-made device, but improvised pelvic binders have also been used around the world to good effect. Stabilisation of the pelvic ring reduces blood loss from the pelvic vessels and reduced the risk of death. Surgery
Surgery is often required for pelvic fractures. Many methods of pelvic stabilization are used including external fixation or internal fixation and traction. There are often other injuries associated with a pelvic fracture so the type of surgery involved must be thoroughly planned. Rehabilitation
Pelvic fractures that are treatable without surgery are treated with bed rest.
Once the fracture has healed enough, rehabilitation can be started with first standing upright with the help of a physical therapist, followed by starting to walk using a walker and eventually progressing to a cane. Prognosis
Mortality rates in people with pelvic fractures are between 10 and 16 percent. However, death is typically due to associated trauma affecting other organs, such as the brain. Death rates due to complications directly related to pelvic fractures, such as bleeding, are relatively low. Epidemiology
About 10 percent of people that seek treatment at a level 1 trauma center after a blunt force injury have a pelvic fracture. Motorcycle injuries are the most common cause of pelvic fractures, followed by injuries to pedestrians caused by motor vehicles, large falls (over 15 feet), and motor vehicle crashes. See also
Bulbar urethral necrosis
Coopernail sign

References
External links

Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics: Pelvic fractures