Clinical Pathway of Lewis et al for Managing a Patient with an Unstable Pelvic Fracture

Patient selection: unstable pelvic fracture

Parameters:

(1) hemodynamic stability at presentation

(2) hemodynamic stability after placement of a pelvic orthotic device (POD)

(3) extra-pelvic source of hemorrhage

Management:

(1) address other injuries

(2) elective pelvic fixation

(3) control extra-pelvic hemorrhage

(4) angiography

where:

• A pelvic orthotic device is an externally placed binder that provides circumferential compression of the pelvic ring, stabilizing pelvic injuries.

Adherence to the protocol was associated with reduction in blood transfusion requirements and in mortality.