Pelvic Injuries
Fracture of the pelvis can be life-threatening due to extensive haemorrhage — haemorrhage that may prove very difficult to stop. Pelvic fracture immediately raises suspicion of injury to organs that reside in the pelvis. Pelvic fracture may be associated with a torn urethra, bladder rupture or internal reproductive organs.
Causes
Fractures of the pelvis can be caused by low-energy trauma, such as falls, or by high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents and falls from a great height.
Signs and symptoms of a pelvic fracture may include:
- Severe pain in the pelvis, hip, or lower back. Pain may increase with movement or when pressure is applied to the fractured area. In comparison, a fractured hip may cause severe pain in the hip, the lower groin area, and occasionally the thigh or knee.
- Abdominal pain.
- Inability to bear weight or walk.
- The leg on the affected side looking shorter, with the foot turned out more than usual.
- Numbness and tingling below the injury.
- Swelling and bruising within 30 minutes of the injury.
- A crack, pop, or grating sensation felt or heard at the time of the injury.
- Decreased movement in the injured area.
- Blood in patients urine
- Urge or inability to urinate.
Management
Reassurance, Entonox for pain relief, Make patient comfortable, immobilise knees and ankles to prevent movement, Do not allow the patient to pass urine as the bladder may tear on emptying, support the injury with plenty of padding.
ASHICE (Consider)
Transport to Hospital
Professional Handover