Acetabulum Fracture from Mountain Biking Accident

[Mini724]

Hi,

My partner (aged 25) fractured his acetabulum and pubic rami back in August 2007in a mountain biking accident. He had the acetabulum fracture pinned and plated. He has been told that the x-rays look really good and the only worrying thing is a small cyst which, if it fills back in, will be fine but, if not, he may need a hip replacement within a couple of years.

He has been getting some physio on the NHS but the sessions seem very few and far between. What amount of physio do you think he should be receiving for this injury?

He has been off crutches for just over a month now and has a very prominent limp.

Will an exercise bike be a good way of getting his hip moving more freely?

He still really struggles with simple tasks like putting on shoes and socks.

Also, he is worried that he has ruined the rest of his life, i.e. he used to be a very keen hill walker but now worries that he will never be able to do this again. What are your views on the levels of activity he will be able to undertake in the future.

Many thanks for your time

Chris

[sarahwatt]

Obviously, it is really hard to give solid advice over the screen, but a few ideas for you....
-Exercise bike sounds great, no impact, and will improve ROM and strength
- Stretches, as getting shoes and socks on sounds more like restriction.
- How are his scars? Might need some scar tissue massage
- A really good idea is hydrotherapy. Especially for his gait, and if he has pain. This basically takes away gravity, which make it a lot easier for him to concentrate on improving his gait. The longer he walks with a limp, the harder it is to get rid of it, plus all the added stress he is putting on the other side and his back. It's also a really relaxing way to do some stretches, and if you have a few floats, can do strengthening exercises as well.
Hope that helps a little!

[Mini724]

Thanks very much for your reply.

I have just booked a private consultation with a physiotherapist who has a hydrotherapy facilities. He's going to do the initial consultation for free and see what therapy will need to be undertaken. He said he may be able to just show us what to do in the hydrotherapy pool and we would then be able to do this ourselves in a normal swimming pool. He said he obviously can't tell me anything yet though until the consultation.

[sarahwatt]

That sounds very sensible. Good luck!

[Mini724]

I just wanted to say a quick thanks to Patricia who sent me a personal message regarding this.

I have been on holiday and just saw the message on my hotmail, but when I came on here to reply to it, it was not in my inbox.

Your story was very inspiring. Thank you, it has given my partner more hope that things will get better.

x

[steves]

Hi,

I recently fractured my acetabulum (Sept 2008) falling from my road bike. Like your partner the fracture was pinned and plated. I would be grateful for any advice or words of wisdom from your (or anyone else's) experience.

I am 54 yrs old and was a keen competitive cyclist and am holding some little hope that I might still be able to return to this. I am currently non weight baring and for interest the fall was at slow speed while commuting (12 - 15mph) but my feet were clipped into the pedals

Steve