sacral fractures

What to know about sacral fractures

Introduction:

A sacral fracture is a break in one of the five bones that make up the sacrum, which is the triangular bone at the base of the spine. This type of fracture can be very painful and may take several months to heal. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about sacral fractures, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Causes:

Sacral fractures are most commonly caused by a high-energy trauma, such as a fall from a significant height or a motor vehicle accident. They can also occur as a result of a sports injury, such as a hard landing in gymnastics or a collision in football. In some cases, sacral fractures can also be caused by osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of a sacral fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, there may be no visible signs of injury, but in others, the symptoms may be severe. The most common symptoms of a sacral fracture include:

  1. Pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks.
  2. Numbness or tingling in the legs.
  3. Difficulty walking or standing.
  4. Bowel or bladder problems.
  5. Sexual dysfunction.

Diagnosis:

To diagnose a sacral fracture, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the fracture. In some cases, your doctor may also order a bone scan to check for any underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis.

Treatment:

The treatment for a sacral fracture will depend on the severity of the fracture and the symptoms you are experiencing. In many cases, conservative treatment is all that is needed. This may include:

Rest: Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the fracture can help to reduce pain and promote healing.

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medication may be prescribed to manage pain.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and other therapies to help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area.

Bracing: A brace or support may be recommended to help immobilize the affected area and promote healing.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture and prevent further damage. This may involve:

Internal fixation: This involves using screws, pins, or plates to hold the bones in place while they heal.

External fixation: This involves using a frame outside the body to stabilize the bones and allow them to heal.

Bone grafting: In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to help promote healing.

Recovery:

The recovery time for a sacral fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method used. In general, it can take several weeks to several months for a sacral fracture to heal completely. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid activities that may aggravate the fracture.

In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area. It is important to follow the recommended exercises and therapies to ensure a full recovery.

Tatyana Dyachenko

For the past years, Tatyana has worked as a sex blogger and a relationship advisor. She has been featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue. Vice, Tatler, Vanity Fair, and many others. Since 2016, Tatyana has focused on sexology, attended various training courses, participated in international conferences and congresses. “I wish people would address sexual issues in a timely manner! Forget shyness, prejudice and feel free to see a sex doctor for help or advice!” Tanya enjoys pursuing her flare for creativity through modelling, graffiti art, astronomy, and technology.

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