Fracture Sacrum

Overview

The sacrum is a triangular bone at the bottom end of the spine and attaches to the pelvis bone. When the sacrum is fractured, it typically results from continual stress or pressure placed on the bone. While some fractures cannot be avoided, one preventative measure you can take is to see your doctor when you experience lower back pain, as the cause for pain may be related to a sacrum fracture or eventually can create a fracture.

Causes

A fracture on the sacrum is created when there is continual pressure placed on the bone. Weak bones are especially susceptible to fractures, most often along the spine. Other causes for a sacrum fracture include:

• Constant stress or pressure placed on backbones
• Forceful physical sports or activities
• Conditions that cause a reduction of bone density Sacrum fractures are common when a variety of factors is involved, including:
• Impact sports, such as running, football, gymnastics
• Weight training
• Those with osteoporosis
• Patients who have undergone radiation therapy
• Arthritis

Symptoms

A fracture in the sacrum can create a variety of symptoms, including:

• Intense pain in the pelvis or hip area, as well as lower back
• Pain near the buttocks
• Intensifying pain during physical activities or exercises
• Tender areas in the lower back region
• Swelling around the lower portion of the back These symptoms are common with most back injuries, so they may not necessarily indicate a sacrum fracture. See your doctor when you experience these symptoms so they may be properly diagnosed.

Diagnosis

To determine if the sacrum bone has a fracture, your doctor will go over your medical history and ask you about symptoms. A physical exam will help the doctor identify swollen or tender areas. An x-ray of the area will help the doctor confirm a stress fracture, or, if the x-ray is unclear, the following tests may be requested:

• Bone scan
• MRI scan
• CT Scan

Treatment

Since the sacrum bone is hard to reach, pain management through medication and rest are often the only treatment options. If the pain does not subside or the fracture is severe, surgery may be suggested to help strengthen the bone for ample healing.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to allow the bone to heal. With severe fractures, a pin is inserted into the broken bone to bring the edges together for correct alignment. Depending on the size of the fracture, a back brace may also be required to keep the sacrum bone immobile so it heals properly.