Your pelvis is the ring of bone that supports the weight of your upper body, including the two major bone commonly called hipbones. Pelvic fractures or “broken hips,” however, are a common and unfortunate occurrence in the elderly. A serious pelvic fracture may also involve damage to nearby internal organs. Most pelvic fractures are the result of high-speed accidents or falls from great heights, as well as occurring during athletic activities such as hockey, skiing, football, and long-distance running. Pelvic fractures can also occur for no obvious reason or after a minor fall in elderly people, particularly due to diseases such as osteoporosis that cause the bones to weaken.

The main symptom of a pelvic fracture is groin, hip, or lower-back pain that may worsen when moving the legs. Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Bleeding from the vagina

• Numbness or tingling in the groin, legs, urethra (urine tube), or rectum

• Difficulty urinating

Stress fractures that occur during jogging also often cause pain in the buttocks or thighs.

First Aid for Pelvic Fractures

If you suspect a serious pelvic fracture, due to witnessing a high-velocity accident or high fall for instance, call 911. Follow the steps outlined below until help arrives:

• Don't attempt to move the injured person, particularly if the person is in severe pain or has any signs of possible nerve injury such as numbness.

• Cover the person with a blanket or something similar in order to maintain body heat.

After being transported to the hospital and treated, it may take a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the fracture. Treatment for minor fracture is often bed rest and OTC or prescription painkillers. The person may also need physical therapy and have to use crutches, and may sometimes require surgery.