BACKGROUND:
Unstable pelvic fractures in the poly-traumatized patient are a significant source of blood loss and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device (TPOD) in stabilizing pelvic fractures in the acute setting.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of eighteen patients, that had application of the TPOD for unstable pelvic fractures (classified based on fracture pattern according to Burgess and Young2), was reviewed. Radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the pelvis with the TPOD in place and after definitive fixation for each patient were analyzed. Pubic diastasis and pelvic cross sectional area were calculated from CT scans and compared using a Student’s T-Test.
RESULTS:
For anterior/posterior compression (APC) type fractures the TPOD had an average pubic diastasis reduction of 71.5% that was not statistically different than reduction achieved via definitive fixation 71.2% (p < 0.05). For APC, vertical shear (VS) and lateral compression (LC) fracture types, no statistically significant difference was noted in pelvic cross-sectional area between the TPOD and after definitive fixation (p< 0.05)
CONCLUSION:
The TPOD was effective in reducing pubic diastasis in APC fractures, and as effective in maintaining pelvic cross-sectional area as definitive fixation for all fracture patterns.
