Pelvis Fracture Postoperative Protocol

The Reno Orthopedic Center Fracture and Trauma Surgeons have created postoperative fracture protocols for our patients. These are based on the latest orthopedic science and literature in order to give patients the most up to date care. Their content is designed to explain what type of injury was sustained, the type of surgery that was done and simple instructions for weight bearing, wound care, physical therapy, medicine and diet issues. Patients will hear similar information in each postoperative visit but it is easy to forget what is said. The following protocol is designed to help patients in their healing with a single resource for frequently asked questions.

What Was Broken 

You broke your pelvis. There are many types of pelvic fractures. 

What Was Done in Surgery 

There are many types of pelvic fractures. Many are fixed with long stainless-steel screws as well as smaller stainless-steel plates and screws. 

Follow Up Appointment 

You should see your surgeon or his physician assistant 10-14 days after surgery. Usually, this appointment is made when you schedule surgery. If you do not have one, please call the office to schedule at 775-786-3040 as soon as you can. You will be seen at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months from surgery where the provider will examine you and x-rays will be taken to follow bone healing. 

Wound Care 

Your wound was closed with either sutures or staples. After 2 days you can take off the dressing. If the wound is dry, you do not need to cover it with a new bandage. If it is leaking, replace dressing with a clean gauze pad and tape.  

Showering 

You may shower immediately after surgery. Your dressing from surgery is waterproof. If it gets wet, remove the bandage and place a new one. Do not immerse your wound in a bath or hot tub until your stitches or staples are removed. 

Pain Control 

You have been given a prescription for narcotic pain medication. You can take 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours. It is ok to take anti-inflammatory medicine like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) as well. Do not take more than 4 grams of Tylenol a day or it can hurt your internal organs. The orthopedic surgeon by law can only give you narcotic pain medicine for 2 weeks after surgery. This must be prescribed in only a 5 day supply each time. If you already get narcotics from your primary care doctor or pain management doctor the orthopedic surgeon cannot write you a separate prescription. If you need prolonged narcotics, we can refer you to a pain management specialist. If these rules are bent, the orthopedic surgeon can lose his medical license, insurance contracts and be unable to care for other patients like you. Please respect these regulations.  

Marijuana 

THC and CBD products can be helpful for postoperative pain and decrease the amount of narcotics you need. In Nevada, marijuana is legal, and you do not need a doctor’s prescription to get it. THC use avoids the constipation and addiction potential associated with narcotic use. Edible use avoids the other risks associated with smoke inhalation and has more controllable dosing. 

Diet 

Eat a well-balanced diet. If you are diabetic keep your blood sugar well controlled. High blood sugar can put you at risk for infection, wound complications and the bone not healing (nonunion).  

Smoking 

It is recommended that you do not smoke or chew tobacco while your bone is trying to heal. The healing factors for your bone travel in your bloodstream and nicotine constricts blood vessels making your bone heal slower. Smoking increases the risk that your bone will not heal. 

Sutures/Staples 

Your wound has been closed with sutures or staples depending on your surgeon’s preference. They will be removed at your first postoperative follow up appointment 10-14 days after surgery.  

Weight Bearing 

You will be toe touch weightbearing on the side that you had surgery immediately after the procedure. This means that your foot can rest on the ground, but you should not put weight on it. Move your knee and ankle as much as possible to avoid getting stiff. You can fully bear weight on the other side unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. After 6 weeks you will be allowed to begin weight bearing. 

Blood Clot Prophylaxis 

Patients with pelvis and leg fractures are at risk to get blood clots in the legs that can dislodge and travel in the bloodstream to the lungs causing disability or death. There are several ways to decrease the risk of this complication. In the hospital you are given shots in the belly called Lovenox and have pneumatic compression devices on your legs. Once discharged home take one baby aspirin (81mg) a day for 2 weeks. Walking and moving as much as you can is also preventative. 

Physical Therapy 

Most patients with pelvic fractures do not require physical therapy. Because you cannot put weight on the leg initially you can only work on range of motion and isometric exercise. At 6 weeks you can progresses to stationary bike riding, gentle ambulation and more aggressive range of motion. Most patients need about 3-4 months of therapy to regain their preinjury range of motion and strength.  

Return to Work 

Patients can usually return to a desk job or light duty after a few days. Return without restriction to jobs that require heavy lifting or manual labor usually takes about 12 weeks. 

Driving 

You should not drive with your operative leg until 6 weeks after surgery. 

Hardware Removal 

The plate and screws usually stay in for life and are not routinely removed. However, if patients are involved in collision sports posterior pelvic screws can be removed at 6 months. 

Healing Time 

Pelvic fractures treated with surgery take about 3 months to heal completely. Younger patients heal slightly faster and older patients or those with diabetes take slightly longer to heal.