WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a sacral fracture? A sacral fracture is a break in your sacrum. The sacrum is a triangle-shaped bone that is found at the bottom of the spine. What causes a sacral fracture? - Intense activities, such as long distance running or high intensity athletic training
- Car accidents
- A fall
What increases my risk for a sacral fracture? - Older age
- Diseases that affect your bones, such as osteoporosis, Paget disease, or bone cancer
- Use of certain medicines, such as steroids
- Increased activity, a sudden change in an athletic training program, or use of poor fitting or improper footwear
What are the signs and symptoms of a sacral fracture? - Low back, buttock, or hip pain
- Pain in the front of your thigh and your groin
- Bruising and swelling around the sacral area
- Bowel or bladder conditions, sexual problems, or weakness of the lower limbs
How is a sacral fracture diagnosed? - A CT scan is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your sacrum. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- An MRI scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your sacrum. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with any metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- X-rays may need done to check for broken bones or other problems in your hip.
How is a sacral fracture treated? Treatment will depend upon the kind of fracture that you have. Mild sacral fractures that were caused by increased activity may be treated with rest alone. Medicine to decrease pain may be given so that you can return to your usual activities as soon as possible. After your fracture has healed, you may need an exercise program to increase your flexibility. Severe sacral fractures may require surgery to place your bones in their normal positions. When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have pain in your low back that gets worse with walking, and gets better lying on your back.
- You have pain or swelling in your low back area, hip, or buttock that does not go away.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have increased pain in your lower back.
- Your leg tingles or feels like pins are being stuck in it.
- Your leg feels numb or weak.
- You have problems controlling your urine or bowel movements.
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