Pelvic Fracture Fixation Surgery: Management After Surgery

Pelvic fractures are common after motor vehicle accidents and often include injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the pelvis. Pelvic fractures can be managed in many ways; however, it is important to determine the best treatment plan to allow you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible and avoid complications after pelvic fracture fixation surgery. This guide on how to manage your recovery after pelvic fracture fixation surgery will teach you how to recover from your pelvic fracture surgery and prevent any long-term issues from occurring.


Rehabilitation Guidelines

In order to optimize recovery, patients should be instructed in the following strategies to help relieve adductor spasm and pudendal nerve irritation. Adductor massage: *Sit on a chair with your leg outstretched in front of you. Place your heel close to your buttocks so that the toes of the foot are pointing toward you.


Discharge Instructions


After the surgery, you may feel a dull ache in your pelvic region. This is expected and not indicative of a complication. If the pain becomes unbearable or continues to worsen, please contact your physician right away. Pain medicine will be prescribed for relief. Please take all medications as directed for up to four weeks after surgery. Antibiotics will be prescribed and continued until you have finished all course doses or as directed by your physician if there are any changes in your health status.


Catheter Removal


A Foley catheter may be placed into the bladder during the surgery. This allows urine to flow directly into a collection bag without having to rely on gravity. A Foley catheter is generally removed in the hospital at 3-5 days postoperatively or when incontinence does not occur with coughing, straining, and sneezing. A catheter can be left in place for longer if leakage occurs with activity and emptying at 4-6 weeks postoperatively.


Pain Medication


It is also important to know that narcotic medications, such as codeine and morphine, are not useful for relieving the pain following surgery. These drugs actually slow down your breathing and this can lead to pneumonia. As a result, your doctor will prescribe more appropriate pain medication and you may need the help of a respiratory therapist if you experience any trouble breathing post-surgery.


Rehabilitation Timetable


The goal of post-operative management is to improve your functional outcome by removing pain, providing stability, and preventing joint stiffness. At first, you will work with a physical therapist to assess your muscle strength and range of motion. Your surgeon will then have the PT prescribe specific exercises and designate limitations so you don't do too much too soon. You should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks, as well as bending at the waist or sitting on anything less than 18 inches high.


Rehabilitation Exercises


After a pelvic fracture fixation surgery, your physician will probably want you to work with a physical therapist to regain strength and flexibility in the joints of your pelvis and legs. The exercises below are provided as examples for this process.


Post-operative care instructions


After surgery, patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating, incontinence, pain and bleeding. Taking the time to care for yourself and be mindful of your symptoms will help you feel like you have more control over your life.


In addition to pain medication, many healthcare providers recommend taking Vitamin K which helps reduce the risk of bleeding complications in patients undergoing surgery.


Returning Home From Hospital


You may be able to return home from the hospital after Pelvic Fracture Fixation Surgery in Coimbatore within a day or two, but many of you will need to stay for at least two weeks. The duration of your stay is dependent on how well you are doing, what your doctors say and if any complications arise.


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