Pelvic Trauma Program at Temple Health

Advanced Surgery & Reconstruction Specialists in Pelvic Trauma

Your pelvis supports many important organs and structures: bladder, bowels, reproductive organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Pelvic trauma occurs when there’s a strong impact—like in a car crash, fall, or being struck as a pedestrian.

These injuries often affect more than one area because part of the pelvis is shaped in a complex way. If one area breaks, another often does too.

At the Fox Chase-Temple Urologic Institute, we offer expert care from the very start through recovery—including reconstructive surgery when needed—to help you heal, protect vital functions, and regain your quality of life.

What Happens with Pelvic Trauma

Possible symptoms include:

Bleeding
Pain (from fractures, bruises, or nerve injury)
Constipation (difficulty with bowel movements)
Erectile dysfunction (in men)
Pain during sexual activity (in women)

Treatment depends on injury severity and location:

Emergency care is top priority, especially for bleeding or internal injuries
Many pelvic fractures don’t require surgery (e.g. some fractures of pubic rami, iliac wing)
More complex fractures (hip socket / acetabulum, sacrum, unstable pelvis) may need surgery to stabilize bones and protect organs
Repair of damage to blood vessels, nerves, bladder, urethra, or reproductive parts may require reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery expertise:

Temple’s surgeons specialize not just in stabilizing broken bones, but in rebuilding, restoring, and repairing organs and tissues that are injured. This can include:

Repair of bladder, urethra, or bowel injury
Nerve repair or decompression
Vascular reconstruction
Pelvic floor and soft tissue reconstruction
Restoring sexual / urinary / bowel function

Having this reconstructive capability in the same program means care is more coordinated, less fragmented, and more focused on full recovery.

Meet Our Pelvic Trauma & Reconstruction Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

Board-certified trauma surgeons
Orthopedic and pelvic fracture specialists
Urologists with reconstructive expertise
Reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery partners
Rehabilitation and physical therapy professionals

They all work together to plan your care, from emergency response to long-term recovery, with the goal of restoring function and independence.

Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat pelvic trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Trauma

Why should I come to Temple for pelvic trauma care?

We are a Level 1 Trauma Center with full specialist teams available 24/7, and we offer both emergency and reconstructive care in one continuum.

Which pelvic fractures need surgery?

Injuries like hip socket (acetabular), sacrum, and unstable pelvis often require surgical stabilization. More minor fractures may heal without surgery.

Will other organs or tissues be affected?

Yes, because the pelvis houses bladder, bowel, reproductive organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Damage may require repair beyond just bones.

What is reconstructive surgery and is it available at Temple?

Reconstructive surgery means repairing or rebuilding damaged organs, nerves, vessels, or soft tissues, not just putting bones back in place. Temple’s program includes reconstructive expertise.