Pelvic Fracture in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A pelvic fracture is a break in a pelvic bone or hip joint.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child suddenly feels lightheaded and short of breath.
- Your child coughs up blood.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child's leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Your child's legs and feet turn blue or feel cold and numb.
Call your child's doctor or orthopedist if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's pain is getting worse, even after he or she has taken pain medicine.
- Your child's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not give your child other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to a healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Activity:
- Your child may need more rest than he or she realizes. Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he or she does not become restless and risk getting hurt. Have your child read or draw quietly. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he or she heals.
- Ask your child's healthcare provider when your child can be physically active again. Together you can plan the best exercise program for your child. It is best to start slowly and do more as he or she gets stronger. Do not let your child play sports, such as football or soccer, while his or her fracture is still healing. His or her fractured pelvis may break again. Your child may also bleed or bruise easily.
- Make sure your child uses his or her crutches or walker correctly. Remove loose rugs from the floor to prevent falls. It may be easier for your child to get out of a chair if he or she uses chairs with side arms and hard cushions. You may also want to have your child use a shower chair to prevent falls while he or she bathes.
Ice:
Apply ice on your child's hip for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
Physical therapy:
A physical therapist may teach your child exercises to strengthen his or her hip and legs after the pain is gone.
Follow up with your child's doctor or orthopedist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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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