Sacral Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A sacral fracture is a break in your sacrum. The sacrum is a triangle-shaped (three sided) bone made up of five fused (joined) vertebrae. The vertebrae are the bones that make up your spine. The sacrum is found at the end of the spine, with the hip bones on each side. Sacral fractures are often caused by injury, such as high intensity activities, car accidents, or a fall. You may have low back, buttock, or hip pain or swelling around the sacrum. Bowel or bladder problems and lower limb weakness may also be present with a sacral fracture. Tests to diagnose a sacral fracture include sacral x-rays and a bone scan. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computerized tomography (CT) scan may also be done. Treatment depends on the type of sacral fracture that you have. Sometimes only rest and exercises are needed to heal from a sacral fracture. Surgery may be needed for severe fractures.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Physical therapy:

You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have pain or swelling in your low back area, hip, or buttock that is worse or does not go away.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicines, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have problems controlling your urine or bowel movements.
  
  
• You have increased swelling, pain, or redness in your lower back.
  
  
• You have trouble moving your arms or legs.
  
  
• Your arms or legs feel numb or you cannot feel them.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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