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How effective are different models of pelvic binders: results of a study using a Pelvic Emergency Simulator

  • Original Article
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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The application of pelvic binders in the preclinical and early clinical phase is advisable to avoid or treat C-problems in unstable and potential bleeding pelvic ring fractures, even if the clinical effectivity is not completely proved. The use for pathologies in the posterior pelvic ring is still debatable.

Questions/purposes

We determined if there is a difference in achievable compression in the dorsal pelvic ring depending on position and pelvic binder model. Can this effect be tested with a simplified artificial model?

Methods

We simulated a Tile type C fracture within the established pelvic emergency trainer and measured in a test series the effectivity of reduction with a non-invasive stabilization technique using 3 different pelvic binders.

Results

Any therapeutic effect of a pelvic binder with compression to the posterior pelvic ring requires at first a reduction maneuver. While the compression effect in the symphysis depends only on positioning of the binder, in the posterior pelvic ring, the result varies with the used model. The achievable pressure in the SI joint with a pelvic binder is only 20–25% (33.5–47 N) compared to the C-Clamp values (156 N).

Conclusions

The use of pelvic binders for non-invasive pelvic ring stabilization, even with a posterior pathology, could be proven in a simplified fracture model. A proper fracture reduction and an adequate device positioning influence the effectiveness.

Clinical relevance

The use of an emergency pelvic trainer even for a non-invasive maneuver is advisable.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Uwe Schweigkofler and Dennis Wincheringer had the same amount writing this article, Shared First Authorship

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt, Friedberger Landstraße 430, 60389, Frankfurt, Germany

    Uwe Schweigkofler & Reinhard Hoffmann

  2. Orthopaedicum Wiesbaden, Friedrichstraße 29, 65185, Wiesbaden, Germany

    Dennis Wincheringer

  3. ETHIANUM Heidelberg, Voßstr. 6, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany

    Jörg Holstein

  4. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse 1, 66421, Homburg, Germany

    Tobias Fritz, Tim Pohlemann & Steven C. Herath

Authors
  1. Uwe Schweigkofler
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  2. Dennis Wincheringer
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  3. Jörg Holstein
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  4. Tobias Fritz
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  5. Reinhard Hoffmann
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  6. Tim Pohlemann
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  7. Steven C. Herath
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Uwe Schweigkofler.

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Conflict of interest

All authors declare no conflict of interest; there was no funding or financial support.

Ethical approval

The study was carried out at the Institute for Clinical Research of the University Medical Centre of the Saarland, D 66421 Homburg/Saar. All ethical regulations are fullfiled.

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Cite this article

Schweigkofler, U., Wincheringer, D., Holstein, J. et al. How effective are different models of pelvic binders: results of a study using a Pelvic Emergency Simulator. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 48, 847–855 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01406-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01406-0

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