Pelvic - Acetabular Trauma
Pelvic-acetabular fractures are often very complicated and are usually caused by a road traffic accident. To treat these fractures, sometimes more than one surgery might be necessary. In patients suffering from osteoporosis, even a fall might cause this fracture.
Many bones make up the pelvis which, other than supporting the upper body, also protects the intestines and bladder. When one of the pelvic bones suffers a break, it is called a pelvic fracture. The joining point of the pelvis with the femur is called the acetabulum, which is a ball and socket joint. When the fracture is in the socket, it is called an acetabular fracture. An acetabular fracture is difficult to treat because of its position close to major organs and important blood vessels.
During surgery, the bones are positioned properly and then held by screws and plates, etc. Pain and complications after surgery will be treated by the surgeon and his team. The patient will be encouraged to not remain immobile as immobility may lead to complications. If many nerves are damaged, recovery may take from 6 months to more than a year.