How Long Does a Broken Pelvis Take to Heal?
Healing time varies from person to person, but a broken pelvis takes at least three months to heal completely, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A person with a broken pelvis is unable to bear weight on one or both of the legs until the bones heal and requires a walker or crutches for mobility. After recovery, a person often walks with a limp for several months.
Nonsurgical treatments are used for avulsion, or stable pelvic fractures, which are typically suffered by athletes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. With nonsurgical treatment, mobility is limited for several months as the bones heal on their own. Surgical treatments for a broken pelvis are used in cases of high-energy traumas that necessitate the use of screws or plates to stabilize the pelvis. These are considered unstable pelvic fractures and are commonly caused by automobile accidents, falls or crush accidents. Injury to other areas of the body are likely to be involved.
Stable fractures typically heal nicely though bed rest is often required, and blood thinners may be needed to prevent the risk of blood clots from forming, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Unstable fractures are commonly associated with a higher risk of infection, bleeding and internal injuries because they are typically accompanied by other injuries sustained during an accident.
