Use of the trauma pelvic orthotic device (T-POD) for provisional stabilisation of anterior-posterior compression type pelvic fractures: A cadaveric study

Objective: To demonstrate that a commercially available pelvic binder the trauma pelvic orthotic device (T-POD) is an effective way to provisionally stabilise anterior-posterior compression type pelvic injuries. Methods: Rotationally unstable pelvic injuries were created in 12 non-embalmed human cadaveric specimens. Each pelvis was then stabilised first with a standard bed sheet wrapped circumferentially around the pelvis and held in place with a clamp. After recreating the symphyseal diastasis, the pelvis was stabilised with the T-POD. Reduction of the symphyseal diastasis was assessed by comparing measurements obtained via pre- and post-stabilisation AP radiographs. Results: The mean symphyseal diastasis was reduced from 39.3 mm (95% CI 30.95-47.55) to 17.4 mm (95% CI -0.14 to 34.98) with the bed sheet, and to 7.1 mm (95% CI -2.19 to 16.35) with the T-POD. Conclusions: Although both a circumferential sheet and the T-POD were able to decrease symphyseal diastasis consistently, only the T-POD showed a statistically significant improvement in diastasis when compared to injury measurements. In 75% of the cadaveric specimens (9 of 12), the T-POD was able to reduce the symphysis to normal (<10 mm diastasis). Both a circumferential sheet and the T-POD are effective in provisionally stabilising Burgess and Young anterior-posterior compression 11 type pelvic injuries, but the T-POD is more effective in reducing symphyseal diastasis. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.