Advanced Trauma Life Support ATLS Student Course Manual 2018

ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 97
aspects of the ring. This vertical shearing disrupts the
sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments and leads
to major pelvic instability. A fall from a height greater
than 12 feet commonly results in a vertical shear injury.
Mortality in patients with all types of pelvic fractures
is approximately one in six (range 5%–30%). Mortality
rises to approximately one in four (range 10%–42%) in
patients with closed pelvic fractures and hypotension.
In patients with open pelvic fractures, mortality is
approximately 50%. Hemorrhage is the major
potentially reversible factor contributing to mortality.
(See Appendix G: Circulation Skills.)
Management
Initial management of hypovolemic shock associated
with a major pelvic disruption requires rapid hemorrhage
control and fluid resuscitation. Hemorrhage
control is achieved through mechanical stabilization of
the pelvic ring and external counter pressure. Patients
with these injuries may be initially assessed and treated
in facilities that do not have the resources to definitively
manage the associated hemorrhage. In such cases,
trauma team members can use simple techniques to
stabilize the pelvis before patient transfer. Because pelvic
injuries associated with major hemorrhage externally
rotate the hemipelvis, internal rotation of the lower
limbs may assist in hemorrhage control by reducing
pelvic volume. By applying a support directly to the
patient’s pelvis, clinicians can splint the disrupted
pelvis and further reduce potential pelvic hemorrhage.
A sheet, pelvic binder, or other device can produce
sufficient temporary fixation for the unstable pelvis
when applied at the level of the greater trochanters of
the femur (n FIGURE 5-9). (Also see Pelvic Binder video on
MyATLS mobile app.) In cases of vertical shear injuries,
longitudinal traction applied through the skin or the
skeleton can also assist in providing stability. This should
be done with the consultation of an orthopedic specialist.
External pelvic binders are a temporary emergency
procedure. Proper application is mandatory, and
patients with pelvic binders require careful monitoring.
Tight binders or those left in position for prolonged
A
B
C
D
n FIGURE 5-9 Pelvic Stabilization. A. Pelvic binder. B. Pelvic stabilization using a sheet. C. Before application of pelvic binder. D. After
application of pelvic binder.
n BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS