Can a Fractured Pelvis Heal Itself?

Pelvic fractures can sometimes heal on their own. Stable fractures (the bones are close together and aligned) are more likely to heal without surgery. It usually takes four to six weeks for a pelvic fracture to start to heal, but full restoration of function can take up to 12 weeks.

A fractured (broken) pelvis describes a break in the pelvic bone located at the base of the spine. Depending on the nature of the trauma, the injury that causes a fractured pelvis can also damage organs, nerves, and blood vessels near the pelvis.

Pelvic fractures may be categorized as stable, in which there is only one break in the pelvic ring and the broken ends of the bones line up, or unstable in which there are two or more breaks in the pelvic ring and the ends of the broken bones do not line up correctly (displacement)

Some pelvic fractures may heal on their own and do not need surgery. Stable fractures in which the bones are close together and aligned are more likely to heal without surgical intervention. It takes about four to six weeks for a pelvic fracture to start to heal, but full restoration of function can take up to 12 weeks. 

Pelvic Fracture Treatment

Mild pelvic fractures may be treated with:

• Rest
• Ice 
  • Use a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables 
  • Do not apply ice directly to skin; place a thin towel between the ice and the skin
  • Apply ice to the injured area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time
  • Use ice for at least 6 hours after the injury
  • Use of ice for up to 2 days following an injury may be helpful
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines 
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
• Walking aids such as crutches or a walker for up to three months
• Wheelchair if the injuries are above both legs

Severe pelvic fractures may be treated with:

• Splint or other binding material around the pelvis to hold it in place
• Prescription pain medication
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the pelvis and legs
• Surgery to put the pelvis back in the correct position
  • External fixation: stabilizes the pelvic area
  • Skeletal traction: a pulley system of weights and counterweights that helps realign the pieces of bone
  • Open reduction and internal fixation: displaced bone fragments are repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment and then then held together with screws or metal plates attached to the outer surface of the bone
• Physical therapy following surgery to strengthen muscles around the pelvis and work on bending, walking, and climbing stairs