In France, approximately 10,000 pelvic fractures are recorded each year in people over 60, mostly women. These fractures, often linked to osteoporosis, can lead to a decrease in independence and impact life expectancy, similar to hip fractures. Fall prevention is a major factor in reducing these accidents. Advice from Dr. Pomme Jouffroy, surgeon.
Of the 15,000 pelvic fractures, nearly 10,000 affect people over 60. “In two out of three cases, it involves women. These fractures mainly affect frail elderly people,” explains Dr. Pomme Jouffroy, orthopedic surgeon and
traumatologist at Saint-Joseph Hospital in Paris.
What is a pelvic fracture?
The pelvis is comparable to a very rigid ring, like a bracelet. This bony structure forms what is called the pelvic ring. It has three components: the sacrum at the back , which connects the pelvis to the spine, and the two iliac bones, or hip bones, on the sides, which meet at the front at the pubic symphysis. “When it breaks, it has to break in two places. A pelvic fracture is generally associated with an injury at the
