Pubic rami fractures

Question 1

what is a pubic rami fracture

Answer 1

a fracture of the inferior/ superior pubic Ramus

Question 2

what would detect a pubic rami fracture

Answer 2

x - ray

Question 3

what demographic is most likely to get a pubic rami fracture

Answer 3

elderly, because common for falls, loosing balance etc

Question 4

what is the cause of pubic ramus

Answer 4

high trauma fall or low trauma from standing height

Question 5

how is a pubic rami fracture diagnosed

Answer 5

diagnosed with an x-ray, then followed by a CT to make sure there are no other injuries

Question 6

what is the treatment for pubic rami fracture

Answer 6

conservative management, pain relief and weight bearing amount are dependant on how much the person can do
and then physio’s assess mobility

Question 7

what would physiotherapist assessment entail, when it comes to a pubic rami fracture

Answer 7

Subjective assessment:
how they got the fracture
how long it has been
any previous trauma and injury
if they are in any pain
if they are taking meds
are the medications working

strength and ROM testing: quad activation to check their strength

Mobility and transfer assessment: you check if they can weight bear, this is done by getting them out the bed and following the bed procedures

• provision of walking aids
• Advice on pain management
• discharge assessment:
• Advice/education

Question 8

why is a pelvic fracture not as bad when compared to a hip fracture

Answer 8

because unlike the hip the pelvis is not a weight-bearing joint and it does not have a high vascular network, so we don’t have to worry about AVN. But it is still a very painful injury