You are evaluating a patient in the trauma bay with a suspected unstable pelvic injury.
Without a commercial device, how can you temporarily stabilize it?
The goals of pelvic binding are to prevent movement of the unstable fracture, possibly reduce the fracture and decrease the pelvic volume [1]. This should theoretically tamponade bleeding and also improve pain [2].
Without a commercial device, you may use a bedsheet. (Some advocate using large clamps to keep tightened sheet in place).
*Remember, aim for the greater trochanters and this is ONLY temporary.
[3]
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Sources:
- https://www.east.org/education/practice-management-guidelines/pelvic-fracture-hemorrhageupdate-and-systematic-review
- http://lifeinthefastlane.com/trauma-tribulation-028/
- https://rydestation.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/pelvic-trauma