In this case study I will be discussing about the anatomy, injury, treatment, and return to play (RTP) protocol for sacral fracture injuries. In order, to better understand why symptoms and restrictions happen with sacral fractures it is important to know the anatomy of the sacral vertebrae’s. Once we know the anatomy, it is most probably that the injury comes with a neurological problem. This problem can be managed and treated through the right modalities and rehabilitation exercises that this injury presents. Last, follow the RTP protocol for the athlete to be back in the game as soon as possible pain free and stronger than before.
Introduction
The sacrum is formed by 5 fused sacral vertebrae’s and contains 4 foramens, which the sacral nerves …show more content…
For instance, fractures of the sacrum may effect in a neurologic injury in up to twenty five percent of cases (Hak, 2009). The injury may involve more than one nerve root, and be unilateral or bilateral depending on the fracture outline and location. The injury can range from a neuropraxic injury due to nerve contusion or shearing injury, to transection of individual nerve roots, or even complete transection of the cauda equina (Hak, 2009). The worst case scenario would be death if assistance is not received early and internal bleeding is occurring. Statistics show that, overall mortality rates for patients with pelvic fractures can be as high as fifty five percent, depending upon the severity of the fracture and the other injuries that may be involved that are most commonly seen in MVA (Smith, 2015). Hemorrhage is a frequent complication, and mortality rates from pelvic fracture with hemorrhage can be as high as forty percent (Smith, 2005). Also, sacral level injuries predominantly can cause damage of bowel and bladder function as well as sexual dysfunction (Spinal Cord Injury Types, 2015). These types of injuries can cause weakness or paralysis of the hips and legs. This area of the spinal cord controls signals to the thighs and lower parts of the legs, the feet, and genital organs (Spinal Cord Injury Types, 2015). Another severe case would be a displaced or unstable sacral …show more content…
Aquatic therapy is a rehabilitation option that allows people to exercise in the pool. The water in the pool provides support, buoyancy, and gentle resistance during exercise (Aquatic Pool Therapy, 2015). Aquatic therapy is helpful for people with many types of orthopedic conditions and neurological disorders. The benefits of aquatic therapy are reduces pressure on joints to provide greater mobility and decrease pain, which increases flexibility for a faster recovery (Aquatic Pool Therapy, 2015). Due to the fact that the water provides support for weight-bearing joints, treatment can begin sooner. The controlled heat setting of a therapy pool can be helpful for easing pain, increasing circulation, relaxing tense muscles, and decreasing stress (Aquatic Pool Therapy,