Rehabilitation after a pelvic fracture

The pelvis is a rather complex system, which is subjected to the greatest pressure. The most complex injury is a fracture of the ischium, the consequences of which are quite serious. She has a specific structure. It has a body and several branches. Injuries associated with this area endanger the functioning of the lower extremities and the entire trunk. It changes a person's lifestyle for a long period.

Pelvic fractures are one of the most complex injuries. This is due to the fact that in case of injury, not only bone tissue is damaged, but also, in some cases, internal organs. Rehabilitation after a pelvic fracture is quite long. To achieve positive results, you need to know exactly how to carry out recovery procedures.

Causes

The causes of such injuries are the following:

• accident;
• falling from a great height;
• collapse of land or buildings;
• injuries during physical activity.

Trauma of this nature has serious consequences. This is due to damage to internal organs and the development of pain shock. When injured, more blood is lost. At risk are people aged 20-25 years. It is important to stop bleeding in time. The amount of blood lost indicates the severity of the injury:

• 500 ml or less - fracture of the ischium without displacement;
• up to 1 l - bone fracture with displacement;
• 1.5-2 l - double fracture with displacement;
• 2-3 l - bilateral double fracture.

A closed fracture without displacement is considered favorable. In this case, the consequences will be minimal.

Features of treatment

The tactics of treatment is determined individually, based on the level of complexity of the fracture. In case of a fracture without displacement, bed rest is recommended in the supine position with legs apart, legs bent at the knees. Treatment takes 5-6 weeks.

With a fracture with a displacement, the duration of treatment increases. This requires the imposition of a plaster bandage for the union of bone fragments. The duration of treatment is 8-12 weeks. If necessary, operations are performed to restore the functions of internal organs.

After the restoration of the pelvic region, the rehabilitation period begins.

Tasks of the rehabilitation period

The main feature is the patient's stay in a forced position. This provokes a decrease in body weight, a change in blood circulation and tissue nutrition. At this point, any physical activity is strictly prohibited. Therefore, the tasks of the rehabilitation period are the following:

1. Prevention of trophic changes.
2. Prevention of congestion in the pelvic area.
3. Restoration of the normal functioning of internal organs.
4. Return of motor activity.

For this, a large number of activities are used.

Stages of rehabilitation

The rehabilitation period for a pelvic fracture takes a long time. This is a joint work of medical personnel, relatives and the patient himself. Recovery begins with bed rest and is divided into several stages. Rehabilitation after a fracture of the pubic and ischium is the same.

First stage

At the initial stage, the patient has to spend a long time in a forced position. It is necessary to prevent trophic changes in tissues. To do this, use special devices filled with silicone in places where the body comes into contact with the bed. This will reduce the pressure on this area, avoid circulatory disorders, as well as bedsores. With pain syndrome, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered. You also need a special diet in which the digestive organs work normally.

Second phase

During the second stage, the patient's motor activity is gradually restored. Exercises begin in the supine position. Also, the patient needs to roll over in bed, if possible. Massage is indicated to improve blood circulation and muscle tone.

Third stage

At the third stage, the restoration of physical activity continues. First, the patient needs to move with the help of supporting elements or assistance, and then independently. First, the patient's movements are controlled by a medical worker. This is due to the fact that the patient was in a horizontal position for a long time. When taking a vertical position, pressure can drop sharply, which causes fainting in the patient. In the event of a fall, there is a risk of re-injury.

A set of exercises

Exercises are selected individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the injury. First, the exercises are performed lying down, and then sitting in bed. At the second stage, it is recommended to perform the following exercises:

1. Flexion and extension of the feet (15 times on each leg).
2. Ankle rotation.
3. Turning the foot in and out.
4. Holding objects with toes.
5. Flexion and extension of the knee joints.
6. Leg rotation.
7. Abduction of the limb to the side.

First, these exercises must be performed strictly under the supervision of a specialist, so as not to get new injuries.

At the third stage of the recovery period, it is necessary to expand motor activity and gradually increase the load. Here, exercises can be performed in a standing position with support. The following exercises are recommended:

1. Standing with support, move to the position on the toes and back to the full foot.
2. In a standing position, bend and unbend the legs at the knee joint.
3. In a sitting position, bend and unbend the leg, holding for a few seconds.
4. Transition from a sitting position to a standing position.

Walking with support also helps to restore skills. At first, walking is carried out in small steps, which gradually increase. All exercises should be carried out in the absence of discomfort.

It is important to know that if pain occurs during exercise, you should stop doing it and consult a doctor.

Massage

Massage for a pelvic fracture can be performed 3 days after the injury. However, in many cases it is carried out only after the patient's condition improves. The objectives of the massage are to relieve pain, relax muscles, relieve swelling and improve blood circulation. Almost all pelvic fractures use the same technique. To do this, you should use the services of a specialist so as not to harm the body.

First, the massage is performed on the pectoral muscles. After the patient can roll over on his stomach on his own, a massage of the back, legs and pelvic region is performed.

Physiotherapy

For a pelvic fracture, the following physiotherapy procedures are used:

• ultraviolet irradiation;
• electrophoresis with painkillers;
• ultrasound treatment;
• laser therapy;
• balneotherapy;
• ozokerite and paraffin applications;
• magnetotherapy.

Physiotherapy also allows you to eliminate pain, swelling, accelerate tissue regeneration. Despite the effectiveness, there are a number of contraindications:

• increase in body temperature;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• serious condition of the patient;
• infectious diseases;
• malignant tumors;
• hemophilia;
• pregnancy.

Rehabilitation methods are determined by the doctor individually for each patient, based on the characteristics of his body.

Nutrition

Patients with a pelvic fracture are usually advised to follow the same diet as those for broken arms and legs.

For a speedy recovery, food should contain a large amount of trace elements (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and others). If nearby tissues are affected during an injury, then it is necessary to consume foods containing protein. To do this, you should eat boiled meat, fish, dairy products and nuts. If the protein is not supplied in sufficient quantities, then the body will have to extract it from the blood, which is an unfavorable factor.

From the diet it is necessary to exclude the use of spicy, salty, smoked and fatty foods.

A pelvic fracture is a fairly serious injury for any person. Prolonged lying in bed aggravates both the physical and psychological state of the patient. However, recovery can be accelerated. To do this, it is important to properly organize the rehabilitation period and follow all the doctor's prescriptions. Timely rehabilitation in most cases guarantees a favorable outcome.

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