Sigma 17-50 OS Lens broken at the lens mount

I have the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS lens for Canon. The barrel of the lens between the mount and zoom ring has always been a bit loose, slightly bent but still in good working condition, never caused any issues. But today, after a small drop, the bend is more severe, and the lens is kind of popping open or falling apart at that point. See the picture:

http://i53.photobucket​.com …IMG_4330.jpg?t=​1341128509

Also, I'm pretty sure this is another part where the lens is broken; the rear element completely pushes away from the mount when the lens is zoomed to the telephoto position. See picture:

http://i53.photobucket​.com …IMG_4328.jpg?t=​1341128506

Testing the lens, the zoom does appear to be proper, I can still change the aperture, and the focusing and stabilization both still work. Ultimately, the lens still functions, but it is loose at that crack (i.g. I mount the lens on my camera and the weight of the front element causes it to bend). I don't see any simple repair for this. Is there any hope of fixing this simply? Or any other advice on what to do? Or do I just need to pay to get it repaired?

Most lenses have a component near the mount that is designed to break well before the mount does - looks like you've found the Sigma one. The fact that it still functions correctly means there isn't any broken circuitry or ribboncables, so at least it should be a straightforward repair. Putting it in for a quote is realistacly all you can do.

p.s. welcome to the forums...