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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

For support and more information: Having a sacral fracture may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have a sacral fracture may be hard. You may contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have pain or swelling in your low back area, hip, or buttock that is worse or does not go away.
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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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