Can a pelvic comminuted fracture cause paralysis?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 04, 2024
00:00
00:00

A pelvic fracture generally includes avulsion fractures, in which the pelvis remains stable, while other types of fractures tend to be comminuted fractures.

Whether paralysis occurs following such a fracture depends on whether there is nerve damage. If there is no significant nerve damage, paralysis is generally unlikely; however, if the fracture is accompanied by nerve damage, such as damage to the sacral nerves causing numbness and limited mobility, it may significantly impact function, especially of the lower limbs. Therefore, it is advised to seek treatment in the orthopedic department of a reputable hospital if a pelvic fracture occurs.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
1min 8sec home-news-image

Can a lumbar crush fracture cause paralysis?

Whether a lumbar burst fracture will cause paralysis mainly depends on the severity of the comminution and whether the fracture fragments protrude into the vertebral foramen, compressing the nerves. If it is simply a comminuted fracture and the fragments do not protrude posteriorly and do not compress the nerve roots, then it will not cause paralysis of the lower limbs. However, if the fracture fragments protrude backwards and compress the spinal nerves, or even damage the spinal nerves, the patient may experience complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in both lower limbs. In this case, emergency surgery is required to relieve this compression and reduce the pressure on the nerves, thereby alleviating the symptoms. If lower limb paralysis occurs, long-term oral medication to nourish the nerves is needed to help the nerves gradually recover. Therefore, whether a fracture can cause paralysis mainly depends on whether the nerve is compressed by the fracture fragments. If there is compression, it will result in complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in the patient's lower limbs. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
42sec home-news-image

How to treat a lumbar compression fracture

A comminuted fracture has occurred in the lumbar vertebrae, and the treatment method should be chosen based on the degree of displacement of the fracture, that is, the occupancy within the spinal canal and the extent of compression of the lumbar fracture. Generally speaking, if there is significant compression inside the spinal canal, and the height of the vertebral body of the lumbar spine is also greatly compromised, surgical intervention is necessary to restore the height of the vertebral body. If necessary, decompression inside the spinal canal should be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, alleviate symptoms, and facilitate early functional recovery of the patient.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
26sec home-news-image

How long after a patellar comminuted fracture can one start walking?

Patellar comminuted fractures generally require surgical treatment. If the surgery goes well, patients can start moving around with the aid of crutches one week after the surgery. Initially, changing positions is not allowed. Generally, patients can start by placing the toes on the ground two weeks post-surgery, followed by the middle part of the foot, and finally the heel. This progression occurs from two to six weeks after the surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
48sec home-news-image

Why can't it rotate five months after a comminuted fracture of the humerus?

Five months after a comminuted fracture of the humerus, the inability to rotate is due to the lack of early functional exercise post-fracture, leading to severe adhesions in the joint and upper arm muscles, which significantly restrict rotation. This condition can be gradually recovered through later functional exercises, slowly tearing apart the adhered muscles, and increasing the range of motion of the humerus. It is recommended that patients seek rehabilitation treatment in the physical therapy department of a hospital. Additionally, various physiotherapy methods can be used to improve local blood circulation, promote muscle healing, relieve joint and muscle stiffness, and methods such as electrotherapy and magnetotherapy can also be applied to assist in improving the rotational capacity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Post-traumatic sequelae of femoral head comminuted fracture

A comminuted fracture generally refers to a fracture with more than three fragments. When a comminuted fracture occurs in the femoral head, it is also a type of intra-articular comminuted fracture. Generally speaking, after the fracture is reduced and stabilized, there can be some damage to the joint surface as well, leading to unevenness of the joint surface and a higher chance of developing postoperative traumatic arthritis. There is also a possibility that the comminution of the femoral head fracture could affect the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. After treatment for the fracture injury, there will inevitably be some impact on postoperative function. Therefore, after a comminuted fracture of the femoral head, the first sequelae to appear is usually traumatic arthritis, followed by ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, and thirdly, symptoms of restricted movement in the hip joint may occur.