Symptoms and remedies for sacral fractures
Sacral fractures, which occur in the wedge-shaped bone at the back of the pelvis between the hip bones, are a relatively common injury that can result from high-energy falls or motor vehicle collisions, or low-energy falls in older individuals with osteoporosis.
Symptoms of sacral fractures can include lower back pain, hip and buttock pain, reduced control of bowels and bladder, and swelling in the surrounding areas. In severe cases, these fractures can cause nerve damage, leading to neurological symptoms such as sciatica or cauda equina syndrome.
Doctors often perform rectal exams to check for nerve damage, specifically the cauda equina, and may need to treat life-threatening issues immediately in people with traumatic injuries.
Diagnosis of sacral fractures can be challenging as they are not always visible on X-rays and may require CT or MRI scans.
Treatment for sacral fractures depends on the severity of additional injuries. For lower-energy falls or stress fractures, doctors may recommend rest, pain relief medication, and mobility, with sporting activities avoided for six weeks. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the pelvis or treat nerve damage.
Common associated injuries with sacral fractures often include pelvic ring fractures, nerve root damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Sacral fractures frequently occur alongside multiple trauma because they require a high-energy force or occur in patients with weakened bone.
Additional related conditions or complications include infections such as sacroiliac joint infection or osteomyelitis, and sacral insufficiency fractures that often occur in elderly osteoporotic patients.
A 2017 study suggests that people with sacral fractures often have a single injury, pelvic ring injuries, or spine or hip fractures. Age, particularly in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, increases the risk of developing low-energy sacral fractures.
Doctors may also recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, and in some cases, walking aids and simple leg and foot exercises for mobility. If a person has damage to their cauda equina, doctors may recommend surgery for a better chance at full recovery from nerve damage.
It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a sacral fracture, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a full recovery.
- Osteoporosis, a chronic disease that weakens bones, increases the risk of sacral fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Beyond sacral fractures, associated injuries might include nerve root damage, traumatic brain injuries, and pelvic ring fractures.
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