Effect of a new pelvic stabilizer (T-POD~R) on reduction of pelvic volume and haemodynamic stability in unstable pelvic fractures

摘要

Background: Pelvic fractures, often the result of high energy blunt trauma, are associated with severe morbidity and mortality. A new pelvic stabilizer (T-POD~R) provides secure and effective simultaneous circumferential compression of the pelvis. Methods: In this study we describe 15 patients with a prehospital untreated unstable pelvic fracture with signs of hypovolaemic shock with the T-POD~R. Before and 2 min after applying the T-POD~R, heart rate and blood pressure were measured. An X-ray before and directly after applying the T-POD~R was made to measure the effect on reduction in symphyseal diastasis. Results: Application of the T-POD~R reduced the symphyseal diastasis with 60% (p = 0.01). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased significant from 65.3 to 81.2 mm Hg (p = 0.03) and the heart rate declined from 107 beats per minute to 94 (p = 0.02). Out often patients in whom the circulatory response before and after the T-POD~R was recorded, seven were good responders, one had a transient response and two responded poor.Conclusion: In the acute setting, the T-POD~R device has a clear compressive effect on the pelvic volume in unstable pelvic fractures. The T-POD~R is therefore an effective and easy to use device in (temporarily) stabilizing the pelvic ring in haemodynamically unstable patients.