Abstract
Introduction
Haemodynamically compromised patients with biomechanically unstable pelvic fractures need reduction of the pelvic volume to effect tamponade of bleeding bone and vessels. Knee binding, to help achieve this, is advocated in standard Advanced Trauma and Life Support teaching but is rarely used. There are no reports in the literature as to the benefits derived from this simple manoeuvre. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was an effect on symphysis pubis closure by binding the knees together and to quantify this.
Methods
13 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of pubic symphysis diastasis +/− sacroiliac joint fixation were recruited prospectively. These patients were transferred from peripheral hospitals to this National tertiary referral level 1 trauma centre for definitive pelvic fracture management. All patients had sustained Antero-Posterior Compression (APC) type pelvic injuries. In theatre, a centred antero-posterior (AP) radiograph was taken without any form of binding on the pelvis. A second AP radiograph was then taken with the knees and ankles held together with the hips internally rotated. A third, final AP radiograph was taken post fixation. Measurements of symphysis pubis widening were made of the digital images taken in theatre.
Results
The study population included 11 men and 2 women. The mean age was 46. The average percentage closure of symphysis following knee binding in relation to the final reduced symphysis, post fixation was 69%.
Conclusion
Our impression is that this manoeuvre is rarely employed on patients with these types of injury. This is the first study to quantify the effects of this simple manoeuvre. Emergency measures to reduce the pelvic volume and thus limit pelvic haemorrhage are well recognised. We have shown that this simple measure is a useful adjunct and that it has a measurable effect on reducing pubic diastasis.
