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

BACKGROUND

Pelvic fractures, often the result of high energy blunt trauma, are associated with severe morbidity and mortality. A new pelvic stabilizer (T-POD®) 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®. Before and 2 min after applying the T-POD®, heart rate and blood pressure were measured. An X-ray before and directly after applying the T-POD® was made to measure the effect on reduction in symphyseal diastasis.

RESULTS

Application of the T-POD® 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 of ten patients in whom the circulatory response before and after the T-POD® was recorded, seven were good responders, one had a transient response and two responded poor.

CONCLUSION

In the acute setting, the T-POD® device has a clear compressive effect on the pelvic volume in unstable pelvic fractures. The T-POD® is therefore an effective and easy to use device in (temporarily) stabilizing the pelvic ring in haemodynamically unstable patients.