What is a pelvic fracture?
A pelvic (pel-VIK) fracture (FRAK-chur) occurs when one or more of the pelvic (hip) bones are broken. The pelvic area, or pelvis, is a ring-like structure of bones in the lower portion of the trunk (body). Three separate bones, the ilium, ischium, and pubis, make up the pelvis. These bones fuse together as your child gets older. Ligaments (connective tissues) connect the pelvis to the sacral bone, which is at the base of the spine. The pelvis protects the reproductive organs and portions of the digestive system. It also contains large nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower part of the body.