Pelvic splints

Question 1

Placement of pelvic splints

Answer 1

Low (over greater trochanters), not high over iliac crests, which makes things worse.

Question 2

Before placing pelvic splint you should also…

Answer 2

Tie feet together which rotates femurs internally and helps close pelvic fx
Check neurovascular status (b4 and after)

Question 3

Indications for pelvic splint

Answer 3

Hi energy antero-postero pelvic trauma w/ hemodynamic instability

Question 4

Signs of unstable pelvic fx

Answer 4

unequal leg length, rotational deformity
abnl pelvic rock (ap and cephalad caudad, stop as soon as u detect abnl’t)
evidence of retroperitoneal bleed - scrotal/perineal hematoma, flank hematoma, hematuria