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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Any injury to your vertebrae may also affect your spinal cord, and be very serious. Your spinal cord lies in the center of your vertebrae. The spinal cord is the central nervous connection between the brain and the body. A sacral fracture may lead to bladder or bowel problems, sexual problems, or weakness of the lower limbs.
  
  
• With a fracture, you are at a greater risk of getting a blood clot in your leg or arm. This can cause pain and swelling, and it can stop blood from flowing where it needs to go in your body. The blood clot can break loose and travel to your lungs. A blood clot in your lungs can cause chest pain and trouble breathing. This problem can be life-threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.
  
  

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.

Tests:

• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your sacrum. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Bone scan: This is a test to look at your bones. You are given a small amount of dye through an IV, and pictures of your bones are taken. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infections, and other problems.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your sacrum and to see if there is damage to the spinal cord.
  
  
• X-rays: You may need x-rays of the sacrum to check for broken bones or other problems in your hip.

Treatment options:

You may have surgery if you have a severe sacral fracture. This may be done to return the bones to their normal position. Surgery may also help your caregiver check for other problems in your spinal canal.

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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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