Pubic Rami Fractures
Date issued: March 2019
For review: March 2021
Ref: A-409/MY/Physiotherapy/Pubic Rami Fractures
PDF: Pubic Rami fracture [pdf] 806KB
Anatomy
- The Pelvis is made up of the Ilium bones and the sacrum.
- The Pubic Rami are at the bottom of the pelvis
Fractured Pubic Rami
- It is a common injury after a fall.
- You may find that you have broken the opposite side of your Pubic Rami to the side that you fell on.
- People are more prone to these types of fractures particularly if the bones are 'thin' (osteoporosis)
- Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become brittle and fragile and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from minor bumps.
- The fracture is normally treated conservatively. This means that no surgical intervention is required to help it mend.
- It is important to remain mobile as walking on this type of fracture will actually help it to mend. You will be encouraged to mobilise by the Therapists as pain allows, at regular intervals
- It is important to take regular pain relief throughout the day, as guided by the doctor. This type of fracture will normally heal within 6-8 weeks but you will hopefully find that the discomfort you experience will gradually become less during this time
Daily Activities
- You may find that now you have broken your Pubic Rami that you struggle with some of your normal daily tasks.
- You may experience difficulty with walking due to the
discomfort you feel when you are putting weight through your legs. The Physiotherapist will assess you to see if you need a walking aid. If you have stairs at home, you may be assessed walking on the stairs to ensure you are able to do so. - You may struggle with washing and dressing, getting on and off the toilet, meal preparation, shopping and carrying items around the home. The Occupational Therapist will assess you to see if they can provide any equipment / support that can assist with these challenges.
- Following assessment by your therapists it may be agreed that you would benefit from additional support at home. The Occupational Therapist can assist in arranging this for you.
- If you drive, you will be told to take a break from driving. You can seek more guidance on this from the DVLA.
