Technical NoteImmediate application of improvised pelvic binder as first step in extended resuscitation from life-threatening hypovolaemic shock in conscious patients with unstable pelvic injuries
Introduction
The successful management of hypovolaemic patients with unstable pelvic injuries hinges upon rapid recognition and immediate reduction of the pelvic injuries, which effects a tamponade of bleeding by decreasing the intra-pelvic volume.12 This has customarily been achieved by early application of an external fixator. However, recent evidence indicates that alternative methods have benefits in terms of survival and avoid unnecessary delays.2, 6, 8, 10, 11 Furthermore, application of a pelvic binder is non-invasive and can be easily performed in conscious patients, even in the presence of other lower limb injuries.
Section snippets
Technique
When the need to apply a pelvic binder is recognised, a cotton draw sheet (not a bed sheet) is folded lengthwise to make a strip approximately 15 cm across. A pillow is rolled up into a bolster and secured with sticky tape. Two assistants gently lift the patient's legs and place the bolster behind the patient's knees. A 15-cm crepe bandage is applied to bind the lower thighs together and a second bandage is applied (with padding) at the ankles. This internally rotates both lower limbs, which act
Discussion
Traumatic hypovolaemic shock in patients with unstable pelvic injuries requires rapid haemorrhage control and effective pelvic reduction and stabilisation. The sooner bleeding is controlled, the greater the chance of avoiding the lethal triad of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis.5, 11
Circumferential compression of the pelvis as a means of gaining control over life-threatening haemorrhage in unstable pelvic ring injuries has been described by several authors, and is now advocated by the
Acknowledgement
Wade R. Smith, MD, Director of Orthopedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado Health Science Center.
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Cited by (46)
Pelvic emergency management: the first 24 hours
2018, Orthopaedics and TraumaThe importance of pelvic ring stabilization as a life-saving measure in pre-hospital – A case report commented by autopsy
2017, Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and TraumaCitation Excerpt :With this early measure, it is possible to avoid blood accumulation and achieve a relative bleeding control, during the transportation of the patient to the hospital for definitive care.11 The available pelvic binders studies show advantages of pelvic binders in bleeding control.16,17 Manipulation of the fracture was performed during the necropsy to demonstrate and prove how a simple sheet contention can promote stabilization of the pelvic ring by closing the sacroiliac joints in open book fractures – allowing an early control of life-threatening bleeding on-site (Fig. 3/video).
Intra-pelvic pressure changes after pelvic fracture: A cadaveric study quantifying the effect of a pelvic binder and limb bandaging over a bolster
2017, InjuryCitation Excerpt :Furthermore, limb bandaging over a bolster as an adjunct to binder application may further increase intra-pelvic pressure above binder application alone. The use of lower limb bandaging over a bolster alone helping to increase intra-pelvic pressure is an interesting finding, with the value of this technique being suggested by previous authors [21,26]. The rationale for this being that, following pelvic trauma, in particular antero-posterior (AP) compression injuries, external rotation of the disrupted hemipelvis is common [26].