Effects of early use of external pelvic compression on transfusion requirements and mortality in pelvic fractures

Vafa Ghaemmaghami, Jason Sperry, Mark Gunst, Randall Friese, Adam Starr, Heidi Frankel, Larry M. Gentilello, Shahid Shafi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: We hypothesized that early use of external mechanical compression (EMC) reduces hemorrhage and mortality associated with pelvic fractures. Methods: Patients with pelvic fractures and one of the following risk factors for hemorrhage were studied retrospectively: (1) unstable fracture pattern, or (2) any fracture in patients older than 55 years of age, or (3) fracture with sytemic hypotension. Starting in November of 2003, EMC was performed using circumferential pelvic binders on patient arrival and continued for 24 to 72 hours. Patients who underwent EMC (n = 118) were compared with historical controls in the preceding year (n = 119). Results: Patients in the EMC and control groups had similar fracture patterns, age, and injury severity. EMC had no effect on mortality (23% vs 23%, P = .92), need for pelvic angioembolization (11% vs 15%, P = .35), or 24-hour transfusions (5.2 ± 10 vs 4.6 ± 9 U, P = .64). Conclusions: Early EMC with pelvic binders does not reduce hemorrhage or mortality associated with pelvic fractures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)720-723
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume194
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

Keywords

  • External pelvic compression
  • Pelvic binders
  • Pelvic fractures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of early use of external pelvic compression on transfusion requirements and mortality in pelvic fractures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this