Fracture

Fracture A fracture is a cracking or breaking of

bone tissue and can occur anywhere along the pelvis and its articulations or pain from other fracture sites, such as the low back, may refer to the pelvis.  It is also a large risk factor for developing a DVT.  Pregnant or postpartum women may experience sacral stress fractures, especially if they are participating in athletic training activities or running.

Causes/Risk Factors Osteoporosis  History of smoking Paget's disease Gender (female) Athletes, military

personnel (overuse, overtraining, improper footwear or training surface)

Athletic pregnant or postpartum women

Pelvic radiation Lumbar-sacral fusion

(early postoperative) Osteomyelitis, TOP,

osteoporosis Multiple myeloma Trauma (motor vehicle

accident, fall, assault, difficult labor during pregnancy)

Prolonged use of corticosteroids

Signs and Symptoms Pelvic fracture  “sign of the buttock”  Limited SLR  Limited hip and trunk flexion Non-capsular restriction pattern of the hip  Painful and weak hip extension  Gluteal swelling Empty end-feel with hip flexion  Pubic stress fracture  Gradual onset of groin pain  Intensified with weight bearing, walking, or

abduction of the thigh.

PT Implications Referral for medical attention or

progress with conservative management if they have already been diagnosed by a physician.

References Dutton, Mark. Orthopaedic Examination,

Evaluation, and Intervention. Ed. Nagleieri, Catherine Johnson and Christie. second edition ed2008. Print.

Goodman, Catherine Cavallaro and Snyder, Teresa E. Kelly. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. 2007 ed. Vol. 4th Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier, 2007. Print.