San Francisco Sacral Fractures Lawyer

Vallejo Personal Injury Attorney

The lowest vertebrae of the spine form the sacrum and the coccyx. The sacrum is a triangular bone made up of five (5) fused sacral vertebrae. It is located in the pelvis. Four (4) fused vertebrae form the coccyx.

The lumbosacral ligaments are very strong. Injuries to this area are typically the result of serious trauma, such as a car accident, or a pedestrian or biker being hit by a car, or a fall from great heights. When this is the case, the sacral (or pelvic) fracture is usually only one part of a larger set of injuries the person has suffered.

A pelvic fracture in elderly persons can occur from a fall, particularly if the elder has pre-existing osteoporosis (thinning bones), making the coccyx or sacrum more vulnerable to subtle fractures.

Diagnosis of Sacral Fracture

A sacral fracture may or may not show up on a regular X-ray. CT scanning is the preferred method of diagnosis, and an MRI may be ordered. Severe sacral fractures may require surgery to return the bones to their normal position.

The symptoms of a fracture of the sacral vertebrae or coccyx include low back, pelvic, buttock and hip pain. An injured person may also have pain in the groin area.

Problems that may be associated with a sacral fracture can include bowel and bladder problems, problems with sexual functioning, and weakness in the lower limbs.

Treatment of Sacral Spine Injury

Nonsurgical treatment of sacral fracture includes prolonged bed rest in traction or a brace for two to four months, followed by a restriction on weight-bearing activities for another one to two months. As with any patient on bed rest for an extended period of time, the injured person is at some risk for pressure sores and blood clots.

When surgery is chosen to treat a sacral fracture, the goals are to stabilize and realign the pelvis and to improve the patient's chances for neurological recovery, particularly regaining bladder and bowel control.

Full and Fair Compensation for Victims of Sacral Fractures

If your injury was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another, you have a right to compensation for medical and rehabilitation costs, hospital and home care, and medical equipment. You can also be reimbursed for your lost wages.

The San Francisco personal injury lawyers at Abramson Smith Waldsmith, LLP, work closely with clients to ensure they receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate medical and rehabilitation treatment. Our decades of experience handling serious injury cases, including spinal cord injuries, and our access to medical and investigative experts has resulted in a track record of successful results for past clients.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer about your spinal cord injuries, contact Abramson Smith Waldsmith, LLP. Or call us at 415-421-7995 or toll free at 888-745-2988.