Severley Broken Pelvis- getting back in the saddle

rallendude
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rallendude 3/31/2020 11:10am
3/31/2020 11:10am
Like others have said, it's pretty simple to explain the broken pelvis and related injuries. What most don't expect are the other "non" related items like nerve pain, range of motion, strength, mental attitude. You've got a long road ahead but you'll be fine if you keep your head on straight. I got broke up pretty good in 2009. Some others here have said similar but I never once thought about that being the end of my racing. My injuries were all thoracic - nine ribs, two vertebrae, collar bone, shoulder blade and punctured lung. I was out of work for a month. Three months before I could function normally. This all happened at the end of July. I took a bike to the track and rode around the last race of the year just to say I did. That would have been October. All the while I never considered stopping.

Fast forward to March 2015 and I took another digger, four ribs and a pretty good concussion. I'd not been having much fun going to and coming from races for a while and that one helped me decide to lay off a while.

Take it easy. Be careful with the pain meds. Let it come to you. If you're second guessing now, you will probably be questioning going back when you're healed. But you may find new motivation after getting away from the healing process. The bottom line is, when it's time, you'll know.
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rio_ee
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rio_ee 4/1/2020 8:51am
4/1/2020 8:51am
rallendude wrote:
Like others have said, it's pretty simple to explain the broken pelvis and related injuries. What most don't expect are the other "non" related items like...
Like others have said, it's pretty simple to explain the broken pelvis and related injuries. What most don't expect are the other "non" related items like nerve pain, range of motion, strength, mental attitude. You've got a long road ahead but you'll be fine if you keep your head on straight. I got broke up pretty good in 2009. Some others here have said similar but I never once thought about that being the end of my racing. My injuries were all thoracic - nine ribs, two vertebrae, collar bone, shoulder blade and punctured lung. I was out of work for a month. Three months before I could function normally. This all happened at the end of July. I took a bike to the track and rode around the last race of the year just to say I did. That would have been October. All the while I never considered stopping.

Fast forward to March 2015 and I took another digger, four ribs and a pretty good concussion. I'd not been having much fun going to and coming from races for a while and that one helped me decide to lay off a while.

Take it easy. Be careful with the pain meds. Let it come to you. If you're second guessing now, you will probably be questioning going back when you're healed. But you may find new motivation after getting away from the healing process. The bottom line is, when it's time, you'll know.
You definitely have a point on the nerve pain and range of motion. I'll have to address those things. Trying to prematurely get on a bike or force the issue will only lead to trouble. I'll know when the time is right 👍
Anonymous (not verified)
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Ža_Žo (not verified) 9/14/2022 9:05am
9/14/2022 9:05am
Hi guys. I had the same kind of injury crashing in a supermoto race. I was wondering how did you guys recover from the pelvis fracture and if you can ride normally. I would love to get back to MX and supermoto but I don't know if the hip joint can handle the stress from landing hard and stuff similar to it.
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sc961
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sc961 9/14/2022 10:48am
9/14/2022 10:48am
Ža_Žo wrote:
Hi guys. I had the same kind of injury crashing in a supermoto race. I was wondering how did you guys recover from the pelvis fracture...
Hi guys. I had the same kind of injury crashing in a supermoto race. I was wondering how did you guys recover from the pelvis fracture and if you can ride normally. I would love to get back to MX and supermoto but I don't know if the hip joint can handle the stress from landing hard and stuff similar to it.
If your doc did good, that shouldn't be an issue.

Do you have any related issues with nerve pain or other movement restricting concerns?

Your body should be able to direct any activity on or off the bike.

The Shop

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bigsal
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bigsal 9/14/2022 10:51am
9/14/2022 10:51am
Ža_Žo wrote:
Hi guys. I had the same kind of injury crashing in a supermoto race. I was wondering how did you guys recover from the pelvis fracture...
Hi guys. I had the same kind of injury crashing in a supermoto race. I was wondering how did you guys recover from the pelvis fracture and if you can ride normally. I would love to get back to MX and supermoto but I don't know if the hip joint can handle the stress from landing hard and stuff similar to it.
I learn a lot from so many of you on the forum and maybe can offer something on this. My pelvis is screwed together on right side cadaver labrum in hip with many anchors holding it together, in 2013, do push hard with all he physical therapy you can do I was out three months. It was a very very hard recovery and I do have metal all over my body from other injury's too, hang tough I eventually got back to work and back on my dirtbikes. Good luck and health in the future to all you motoheads.
IanMac138
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IanMac138 9/14/2022 1:15pm
9/14/2022 1:15pm
I compounded my femur out in Beaumont...basically blew it up into 30 pieces. Missed knicking my femurol by a hair according to my doctor. Worst part was I had to wait an hour and a half for medical to get to me, while bleeding profusely. Thought I might be a goner for a bit. Took a year of rehab to even walk somewhat normal. It was so traumatizing that I stopped riding for 10 years. I had ridden since I was 4 and had a lot of injuries but that was the one that was just too much for me.

Long story short, 3 years ago that itch or hole in my heart that couldn't be filled without moto, came back and I got bought a bike. I'm 41 now and am glad I still ride, but just not at the level or speed I used to. It can be frustrating because I know I can jump the biggest jumps or go faster, but the consequences and that little voice in the back of my head always creeps in, so I keep it pretty easy, just enough to scare myself a little bit. Riding moto is in our blood so it never goes away.

When you know it's time to throw the leg back over a bike, you'll just...know.

Good luck on recovery, and work your ass off during therapy. It will hurt and suck, but your older self will thank you later in life.
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IanMac138
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IanMac138 9/14/2022 1:24pm
9/14/2022 1:24pm
rio_ee wrote:
Thanks Radical. I agree. I need to respect my lady and those who are directly affected by my accident. I've learned it's a bit selfish on...
Thanks Radical. I agree. I need to respect my lady and those who are directly affected by my accident. I've learned it's a bit selfish on my part to 'send it' or take unnecessary chances without thinking about the repercussions on others.

Lately I've been considering more and more smaller bikes. Having that limiter can help govern my riding. At the end of the day, learning better rider maturity on my part will be part of my recovery and me ultimately getting back on the bike. Mountain biking will definitely be something I am going explore more of. Thanks for the advice!

When I got back on a bike, I got a KTM 150sx. Best decision I ever made. And for mountain biking, dude, get into it! It's a total blast and a lot of moto skills will transfer over, but will be a totally different challenge. Get an eMTB if you do, total game changer. They're so good now and you get so much more "fun" seat time rather than the slogging "this sucks" seat time.
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JDirt
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JDirt 9/14/2022 4:13pm
9/14/2022 4:13pm
Gotta love a good crash thread! I was hoping the OP was coming back with a ride report.



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SWMX
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SWMX 9/15/2022 2:54am
9/15/2022 2:54am
Coming home from A1 this year fell asleep and hit a tree in the truck. Pelvis, Sacrum, Right Hip, Sternum, Ribs, 7 teeth, broken foot, brain injury.


for myself with the injury not occurring on the bike, going back to moto was super easy. it actually gave me a goal to work towards with my recovery. however explaining that to my parents was tricky because obviously they don’t want things to be worse than they already were. my response was kind of the same as everyone else here.. moto is everything i do from my work as a suspension tech to my hobby with riding to my free time with moto media so it would be a slap in the face to me to quit now.

i’m only 24 and the biggest thing i can say is stretching during the week and prior to starting the day helps out. during PT i really tried to work on adductor muscles with resistance bands and i believe that helped when it came time getting back riding and gripping the bike. I notice “warming up” takes a bit longer. Also for myself by no means fast or pro but holding my own around the main tracks in so cal. i took about 6 months off the bike and felt pretty good (timing, corners, etc) and it was actually a lot of fun slowly pushing myself to go faster. First ride back was actually Elsinore Vet and i had a blast.

I think injuries can make or break you. My body is by no means 100% anymore but given the circumstances that’s okay!!

Keep in mind, single guy, no kids, no REAL responsibilities other than day to day work and life that we all deal with, no one relying on me.


2
forensic
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forensic 9/15/2022 9:52am
9/15/2022 9:52am
You sound pretty good for only 9 months out. I'm 18 months out from an 'open book' pelvis fracture and chose to take up trials riding instead of motocross for the forseeable future. I've been on a dirt bike, but my brain is telling me my pelvis is made of glass and I can't fall. I'm sure your age has got something to do with it!
BobbyM
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BobbyM 9/15/2022 8:18pm
9/15/2022 8:18pm
rio_ee wrote:
First time post, long time visitor. Not here for sympathy but just overall advice. About 3 weeks ago, I took a digger at a local So...
First time post, long time visitor. Not here for sympathy but just overall advice. About 3 weeks ago, I took a digger at a local So Cal track while practicing. Ended up breaking my pelvis pretty bad (shattered the left into 7 pieces and sheered off the right side completely from the socket). Also broke 7 lower ribs with minor fractures to my L1-L5, as well as a collapsed lung. Had to be airlifted. Spent 1 week in the ICU, another in the PCU. Currently in a skilled nursing facility. 3 months non weight bearing before I can start rehab/PT.

As one can imagine, the pain had been miserable to say the least. I've broken bones in the past, but nothing this extensive. At 31 years old, I've ridden most my life. Motocross riding has always been my first love. However, laying here thinking how lucky I am to not have landed differently and be paralyzed has caused me to stop and reflect. Part of me wants to jump back on the bike once this is all over and resume. However another part of me wonders if I should hang it up, at least temporarily.

Most people I talk to just say to give up the sport entirely and count my blessings. Personally walking away is not an option. Others say just to tame it down next time. However, I dont see myself putting around (I'm by no means a pro rider, but I can get around a main track decently). My question to you guys is, how did you come back from an injury that genuinely shook you up? And how did you communicate with those people (parents, wife, friends) that were closely affected by your injury your love for riding must continue ?Curious what others have experienced.



Heal up and keep riding. If you quit now you will regret it later.
If you were 10 years older my answer would be different
Carstensen14
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Carstensen14 9/16/2022 12:36am
9/16/2022 12:36am
Whats up with pala, i broke my tibia plateau their. Fucking place has a bad vibe
Stewyeww
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Stewyeww 9/16/2022 1:24am
9/16/2022 1:24am
Everyone is different, don't push yourself one way or the other or let other people's opinions sway you to much. You will be off the bike for a while and no doubt some days you will want to sell everything and other days you'll be wanting to sign up for the next race. Take some time and when you want to get back to it you will, when I ruptured my spleen I don't think I looked at my bike for a couple months at least afterwards, but slowly I would go and fiddle with the bike and was back riding after 6-8 months. For me it was more of a mental than physical thing that took a little while to get over.

Also, find a good physio and go hard with your rehab!
SWMX
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SWMX 9/20/2022 4:09am
9/20/2022 4:09am
forensic wrote:
You sound pretty good for only 9 months out. I'm 18 months out from an 'open book' pelvis fracture and chose to take up trials riding...
You sound pretty good for only 9 months out. I'm 18 months out from an 'open book' pelvis fracture and chose to take up trials riding instead of motocross for the forseeable future. I've been on a dirt bike, but my brain is telling me my pelvis is made of glass and I can't fall. I'm sure your age has got something to do with it!
When I sit back and think it’s only been 9 months, that turn around isn’t too bad all things considered!!

Dental work is taking the most TIME to recover from, do some work, recover, do more work, recover… along with mental stuff from the brain injury & prior issues together.

I crashed at Cahuilla on the main track off the finish line about a month back into riding and in the air was thinking “oh no” because like you i figured i was just made of glass.. hit the ground popped right back up no big deal!! My dad used to tell me skateboarding taught me how to fall and i am starting to believe him. Hit the ground rolling!!
captmoto
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captmoto 9/20/2022 2:33pm
9/20/2022 2:33pm
SWMX wrote:
Coming home from A1 this year fell asleep and hit a tree in the truck. Pelvis, Sacrum, Right Hip, Sternum, Ribs, 7 teeth, broken foot, brain...
Coming home from A1 this year fell asleep and hit a tree in the truck. Pelvis, Sacrum, Right Hip, Sternum, Ribs, 7 teeth, broken foot, brain injury.


for myself with the injury not occurring on the bike, going back to moto was super easy. it actually gave me a goal to work towards with my recovery. however explaining that to my parents was tricky because obviously they don’t want things to be worse than they already were. my response was kind of the same as everyone else here.. moto is everything i do from my work as a suspension tech to my hobby with riding to my free time with moto media so it would be a slap in the face to me to quit now.

i’m only 24 and the biggest thing i can say is stretching during the week and prior to starting the day helps out. during PT i really tried to work on adductor muscles with resistance bands and i believe that helped when it came time getting back riding and gripping the bike. I notice “warming up” takes a bit longer. Also for myself by no means fast or pro but holding my own around the main tracks in so cal. i took about 6 months off the bike and felt pretty good (timing, corners, etc) and it was actually a lot of fun slowly pushing myself to go faster. First ride back was actually Elsinore Vet and i had a blast.

I think injuries can make or break you. My body is by no means 100% anymore but given the circumstances that’s okay!!

Keep in mind, single guy, no kids, no REAL responsibilities other than day to day work and life that we all deal with, no one relying on me.


Shit, you're lucky you aren't dead. Whoever found, treated and transported you had their hands full.
Congratulations on your recovery.
1
captmoto
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captmoto 9/20/2022 2:35pm
9/20/2022 2:35pm
Stewyeww wrote:
Everyone is different, don't push yourself one way or the other or let other people's opinions sway you to much. You will be off the bike...
Everyone is different, don't push yourself one way or the other or let other people's opinions sway you to much. You will be off the bike for a while and no doubt some days you will want to sell everything and other days you'll be wanting to sign up for the next race. Take some time and when you want to get back to it you will, when I ruptured my spleen I don't think I looked at my bike for a couple months at least afterwards, but slowly I would go and fiddle with the bike and was back riding after 6-8 months. For me it was more of a mental than physical thing that took a little while to get over.

Also, find a good physio and go hard with your rehab!
No spleen, one less ting to worry about.
2
captmoto
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captmoto 9/20/2022 2:38pm
9/20/2022 2:38pm
forensic wrote:
You sound pretty good for only 9 months out. I'm 18 months out from an 'open book' pelvis fracture and chose to take up trials riding...
You sound pretty good for only 9 months out. I'm 18 months out from an 'open book' pelvis fracture and chose to take up trials riding instead of motocross for the forseeable future. I've been on a dirt bike, but my brain is telling me my pelvis is made of glass and I can't fall. I'm sure your age has got something to do with it!
SWMX wrote:
When I sit back and think it’s only been 9 months, that turn around isn’t too bad all things considered!! Dental work is taking the most...
When I sit back and think it’s only been 9 months, that turn around isn’t too bad all things considered!!

Dental work is taking the most TIME to recover from, do some work, recover, do more work, recover… along with mental stuff from the brain injury & prior issues together.

I crashed at Cahuilla on the main track off the finish line about a month back into riding and in the air was thinking “oh no” because like you i figured i was just made of glass.. hit the ground popped right back up no big deal!! My dad used to tell me skateboarding taught me how to fall and i am starting to believe him. Hit the ground rolling!!
I did a grade 3 shoulder separation at Elsinore almost a year ago. I took a while to get back. Today at GH I lost the front end in a right turn and landed on that same shoulder. No harm no foul to that shoulder. That was a relief since I had a couple tip overs but on the left side. This was the first hit to that shoulder.
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2Stroke045
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2Stroke045 10/8/2022 2:24pm
10/8/2022 2:24pm Edited Date/Time 10/8/2022 2:44pm
rio_ee wrote:
First time post, long time visitor. Not here for sympathy but just overall advice. About 3 weeks ago, I took a digger at a local So...
First time post, long time visitor. Not here for sympathy but just overall advice. About 3 weeks ago, I took a digger at a local So Cal track while practicing. Ended up breaking my pelvis pretty bad (shattered the left into 7 pieces and sheered off the right side completely from the socket). Also broke 7 lower ribs with minor fractures to my L1-L5, as well as a collapsed lung. Had to be airlifted. Spent 1 week in the ICU, another in the PCU. Currently in a skilled nursing facility. 3 months non weight bearing before I can start rehab/PT.

As one can imagine, the pain had been miserable to say the least. I've broken bones in the past, but nothing this extensive. At 31 years old, I've ridden most my life. Motocross riding has always been my first love. However, laying here thinking how lucky I am to not have landed differently and be paralyzed has caused me to stop and reflect. Part of me wants to jump back on the bike once this is all over and resume. However another part of me wonders if I should hang it up, at least temporarily.

Most people I talk to just say to give up the sport entirely and count my blessings. Personally walking away is not an option. Others say just to tame it down next time. However, I dont see myself putting around (I'm by no means a pro rider, but I can get around a main track decently). My question to you guys is, how did you come back from an injury that genuinely shook you up? And how did you communicate with those people (parents, wife, friends) that were closely affected by your injury your love for riding must continue ?Curious what others have experienced.



Hey brother I’d really love to know how your holding up. I could use some guidance. Im 33 with similar story It’s my second year back racing motocross and it’s always been my first and only true love. I am a decent B level rider working my way back after so many years not riding. I was cross jumped unfortunately and shattered my pelvis, breaking sacrum/hip like yours and breaking my back in two
Spots. I’m a month out of surgery and doing well but I’m so scared thinking of never riding again. My hip is pinned good but not nearly as much hardware
As yourself. I feel like it’s the end and of all
My injuries it’s the first time ever feeling this way. I hope your doing well and to hear from you. 🙏

Pit Row

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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 10/8/2022 3:04pm
10/8/2022 3:04pm
My wife said your nutsack appears large so you should be fine.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 10/8/2022 3:04pm
10/8/2022 3:04pm
My wife said your nutsack appears large so you should be fine.
rawjahdesigns
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rawjahdesigns 10/8/2022 7:07pm
10/8/2022 7:07pm
meh! youll be good to go rio. 3 supercross and outdoor seasons with a total hip replacement. shitll buff my friend!
Listen to the doctors an youll be back in no time.

If you can afford it, throw a little stem cellaction in there for some extra healing juices. 3-4k if you can pull it, its made my entire body feel incredible.

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