Can a pelvic comminuted fracture cause paralysis?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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A pelvic fracture generally includes avulsion fractures, in which the pelvis remains stable, while other types of fractures tend to be comminuted fractures.

Whether paralysis occurs following such a fracture depends on whether there is nerve damage. If there is no significant nerve damage, paralysis is generally unlikely; however, if the fracture is accompanied by nerve damage, such as damage to the sacral nerves causing numbness and limited mobility, it may significantly impact function, especially of the lower limbs. Therefore, it is advised to seek treatment in the orthopedic department of a reputable hospital if a pelvic fracture occurs.

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How long after a patellar comminuted fracture can one start walking?

Patellar comminuted fractures generally require surgical treatment. If the surgery goes well, patients can start moving around with the aid of crutches one week after the surgery. Initially, changing positions is not allowed. Generally, patients can start by placing the toes on the ground two weeks post-surgery, followed by the middle part of the foot, and finally the heel. This progression occurs from two to six weeks after the surgery.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
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Is a comminuted fracture of the hip bone serious?

The answer is definitely yes. A comminuted fracture of the hip bone can affect the stability of the pelvic ring, thus absolute bed rest is necessary, and surgical treatment may be needed when required. Especially in middle-aged and elderly people, early ambulation after surgery can help avoid various complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest, such as three to six months, or even more than half a year, which could exacerbate complications in the elderly and even be life-threatening. Therefore, comminuted fractures of the hip are relatively severe and require active surgical treatment. Post-surgery, appropriate bed rest is also needed, and it is advisable to use a pulsating air mattress to prevent potential complications like pressure sores, and appropriate body massages should be performed to prevent the occurrence of lower limb venous thrombosis. Additionally, turning and patting on the back should be performed to prevent dependent lung pneumonia.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to recover after surgery for a comminuted fracture of the humerus?

Generally speaking, the recovery time after surgery for a comminuted fracture of the humerus is about three months, but this can vary from person to person. If the patient is young, the healing of the fracture ends might be quicker, potentially achieving bony union within two to three months. However, if the patient is elderly, their healing might be slower, possibly requiring three to four months to achieve bony union. Therefore, it is necessary for patients with fractures to regularly take X-rays to observe whether the fracture ends have achieved bony union. Typically, they should visit the hospital to get an X-ray about every two weeks to check on the growth of the fracture ends.

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Orthopedics
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How to treat a lumbar compression fracture

A comminuted fracture has occurred in the lumbar vertebrae, and the treatment method should be chosen based on the degree of displacement of the fracture, that is, the occupancy within the spinal canal and the extent of compression of the lumbar fracture. Generally speaking, if there is significant compression inside the spinal canal, and the height of the vertebral body of the lumbar spine is also greatly compromised, surgical intervention is necessary to restore the height of the vertebral body. If necessary, decompression inside the spinal canal should be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, alleviate symptoms, and facilitate early functional recovery of the patient.

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How long does it take for a comminuted tibial fracture to heal?

The healing time for comminuted fractures of the tibia generally takes about three months, but it still depends on the method of treatment. Generally, there are two methods for treating a comminuted fracture of the tibia: The first method is conservative treatment, which involves using casts or braces to immobilize the affected limb. Generally, the healing time for this method is about three months. The second method is used when there is significant displacement at the fracture site, such as obvious shortening, rotation, or deformity, which then requires surgical treatment. After surgery, the healing time may take about three to four months. Additionally, severe comminuted fractures can disrupt the blood circulation at the fracture site, leading to poor local circulation and a condition called delayed union, where healing might take about six months. Another scenario involves extremely severe disruption of the blood circulation at the fracture site, leading to nonunion where the fracture ends do not heal together at all. Generally, this requires about a year of observation. If after one year the fracture ends still haven't healed, a second surgery might be necessary. However, for most comminuted fractures of the tibia, the general healing time is about three to four months.