PTSD and depression common after major pelvic trauma
Screening and referral at follow-up visits
Patient Discharge Instructions
copy discharge instructions
Home care after pelvic fracture surgery
Weight-bearing restrictions strictly as instructed by surgeon
Do not put weight on affected leg unless told it is safe
Use crutches or walker as prescribed
Wound care
Keep surgical incisions clean and dry
Change dressings as instructed
No soaking in bath or pool until wounds fully healed
Blood clot prevention
Take blood thinner medication (LMWH or other) exactly as prescribed
Wear compression stockings or use leg pumps if provided
Leg exercises as instructed (ankle pumps, quad sets) while in bed
Activity and mobility
No driving until cleared by surgeon (typically weeks to months)
Avoid lifting more than prescribed weight limit
Gradual return to activity as guided by physical therapist
Follow-up appointments
Orthopedic trauma surgeon at 2 weeks (wound check and X-ray)
Further follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year
Physical therapy as directed
Warning signs: return to emergency immediately
New or worsening leg weakness or numbness
Especially if sudden change in ability to move foot or toes
Unable to urinate or severe pain with urination
Blood in urine
Signs of blood clot in leg
Calf pain, swelling, redness, warmth
Signs of blood clot in lung (pulmonary embolism)
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Wound problems
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from incision
Fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit)
New or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed pain medication
Long-term follow-up information
Sexual and urinary function
Problems with sexual function or urination are common after this injury
Report these concerns to your doctor for specialist referral
Recovery timeline
Full recovery takes many months and sometimes over a year
Chronic pain is possible; pain management support is available
Mental health
Anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping after major injury are common
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are struggling emotionally
References
Guidelines and key sources
Primary guideline sources
WSES Pelvic Trauma Classification and Guidelines 2017
Coccolini F et al. World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2017
WSES grading and management algorithm
AAST/ACS Damage Control Resuscitation Protocol 2024
LaGrone LN et al. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 2024
MTP and TXA recommendations
ACS Best Practices in Orthopaedic Trauma 2015
Davis ML et al. American College of Surgeons
Key clinical studies
Blum L et al. Vertical Shear Pelvic Injury: Evaluation, Management, Fixation Strategies
International Orthopaedics 2018 (PMID 29582114)
Grounding source for VS classification and fixation options
Khurana B et al. Pelvic Ring Fractures: What the Orthopedic Surgeon Wants to Know
Radiographics 2014 (PMID 25208283)
Imaging classification and CTA findings
Anand T et al. Association Between Hemorrhage Control Interventions and Mortality
JAMA Surgery 2023
REBOA and PPP evidence in hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures
Odutola AA et al. High Rates of Sexual and Urinary Dysfunction After Surgically Treated Displaced Pelvic Ring Injuries
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 2012 (PMID 22350654)
VS pattern odds ratios for sexual and urinary dysfunction
Brandes S, Borrelli J. Pelvic Fracture and Associated Urologic Injuries
World Journal of Surgery 2001 (PMID 11775195)
GU injury patterns and retrograde urethrogram indications
Classification and coding systems
ICD-10 S32.81 multiple fractures of pelvis with disruption of pelvic ring
ICD-10 S32.10 fracture of sacrum unspecified
ICD-10 S37.20 unspecified bladder injury
AO/OTA Classification 61C for vertically and rotationally unstable pelvic ring injuries
Young and Burgess classification: APC, LC, VS, CM categories
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.