A sacral fracture is a break in the sacrum, the triangular bone located at the base of the spine between the lumbar spine and the tailbone. These fractures may result from a traumatic injury, such as a fall or motor vehicle collision, or from weakened bones due to osteoporosis or other conditions. Prompt diagnosis is important to determine the severity of the injury and guide appropriate treatment.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of a sacral fracture may include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or pelvis
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Tenderness over the sacrum
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Bruising or swelling after an injury
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nearby nerves are affected
Severe symptoms, including changes in bowel or bladder function or significant weakness, require immediate medical attention.
Causes and Treatment
Sacral fractures are commonly caused by high-energy trauma, falls, sports injuries, or osteoporosis-related insufficiency fractures. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Many stable fractures can be managed with rest, pain management, activity modification, and physical therapy. More complex or unstable fractures, particularly those involving nerve compression or significant instability, may require surgical treatment to stabilize the spine and support recovery.