Pelvic Fracture – 5 FUN Facts!

-They are more common in younger and middle-aged adults who participate in risky behavior.

-There is a high mortality rate (as high as 30%) associated with unstable pelvic fractures due to hemorrhage, pulmonary complication, fat emboli, thromboembolic complications and infection.

-S/S: echymosis, tenderness over the symphisis pubis, anterior iliac spines, iliac crest, sacrum or coccyx; local edema, numbness or tingling of the pubis, genitals and proximal thighs; and inability to bear weight without discomfort.

-Hemorrhage and shock are the two most serious complications.

-Nurse Assessment: injuries to the bladder, rectum, intestines, and pelvic vessels/nerves to assess for urinary tract injury check for blood in urine.

By: Marcia Rocha & Marissa Cuomo