ORIF of Pelvis Single Column Treatment in India

Olivia Ali, a 28-year-old elementary school...

Olivia Ali, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher and avid rock climber, was involved in a serious bicycle accident when a car ran a red light. She suffered immediate, excruciating pain in her right hip and lower back and was unable to stand. In the ER, a CT scan revealed a displaced fracture of her right iliac wing (part of the pelvic ring). The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that while some pelvic fractures heal with rest, Olivia's was unstable and displaced. He recommended an Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) to realign the bone fragments and secure them with a plate and screws, stating it was crucial for restoring the structural integrity of her pelvis and giving her the best chance to return to her active lifestyle. Olivia was terrified of surgery and the long recovery, mourning the loss of her independence and climbing. The surgery went smoothly. Her post-op recovery was challenging, with six weeks of strict non-weight-bearing using a walker, followed by intensive physical therapy. A year later, Olivia has regained about 90% of her function. She can hike and teach without pain, though high-level climbing is still a future goal. Emotionally, she transitioned from fear and frustration to immense gratitude for her progress, developing a deep patience with her body's healing timeline.