Pelvic C-clamp Research Articles

Comparison of pelvic C-clamp and pelvic binder for emergency stabilization and bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures

Severe bleeding is the major cause of death in unstable pelvic ring fractures. Therefore, a quick and efficient emergency stabilization and bleeding control is inevitable. C-clamp and pelvic binder are efficient tools for temporary bleeding control, especially from the posterior pelvic ring. Yet the C-clamp requires more user knowledge, training and equipment. However, whether this makes up for a more efficient bleeding control, is still under debate. Patients with a type-C pelvic ring fracture were identified from the German Pelvic Registry (GPR) and divided into three groups of 40 patients (1. no emergency stabilization, 2. pelvic binder, 3. C-clamp). The matching occurred according to the parameters age, gender, initial RR and initial HB. Complication—and mortality rates were compared especially regarding bleeding control. Regarding ISS and fracture dislocation there was no difference. The use of the C-clamp resulted in more complications, a higher mortality rate due to severe bleeding and more blood transfusions were admitted. Moreover the pelvic binder was established noticeably faster. However, the C-clamp was more often rated as effective. There is no evidence of advantage comparing the C-clamp to the pelvic binder, regarding bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures. In fact, using the pelvic binder even showed better results, as the time until established bleeding control was significantly shorter. Therefore, the pelvic binder should be the first choice. The C-clamp should remain a measure for selected cases only, if an adequate bleeding control cannot be achieved by the pelvic binder.

Secondary Angio-Embolization After Emergent Pelvic Stabilization and Pelvic Packing Is a Safe Option for Patients With Persistent Hemorrhage From Unstable Pelvic Ring Injuries.

Introduction: In patients with severe pelvic ring injuries, exsanguination still is the leading cause of death in the early post-injury phase. While mechanical pelvic ring stabilization and pre-peritoneal pelvic packing are mainly addressing venous bleeding, angio-embolization aims to control arterial bleeding. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative angio-embolization after mechanical pelvic ring injury stabilization and pre-peritoneal pelvic packing. Bleeding sources detected in the angiography and the patient's outcome were investigated.Patients and Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study at a single academic level I trauma center, reviewing all patients with pelvic ring injuries admitted from 01/2010 to 12/2019. Patients with emergent mechanical pelvic ring stabilization (supraacetabular external fixator and/or pelvic C-clamp) and direct pre-peritoneal pelvic packing were further analyzed. Patients that underwent postoperative angio-embolization were compared with those that did not. All postoperative angio-embolizations were evaluated with regards to bleeding sources and type of embolization.Results: During the study period, a total of 39 patients required immediate mechanical pelvic stabilization and direct pre-peritoneal pelvic packing. Of these, 12 patients (30.8%) underwent a postoperative angio-embolization. The following vessels were identified as bleeding sources: superior gluteal artery (n = 6), obturator artery (n = 2), internal pudendal artery (n = 2), unnamed branches of the internal iliac artery (n = 3). A selective embolization was successful in 11 patients; in 1 patient, an unilateral complete occlusion of the internal iliac artery was performed to control the bleeding. Mean time from hospital admission to the surgical procedure was 52.8 ± 14.7 min and the mean time from admission to angio-embolization was 189.1 ± 55.5 min. The in-hospital mortality rate of patients with angio-embolization was 25.0% (n = 3). Of these, 2 patients died due to multiple organ failure and 1 patient due to severe head injury.Conclusion: Secondary angio-embolization after external pelvic fixation and pre-peritoneal pelvic packing was effective in controlling ongoing bleeding. The most frequently detected bleeding vessel was the superior gluteal artery, which is difficult to surgically address, further highlighting the importance of angio-embolization in the management algorithm.

Trends and efficacy of external emergency stabilization of pelvic ring fractures: results from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry.

External emergency stabilization (EES) of unstable pelvic fractures reduces haemorrhage and mortality. Available are non-invasive procedures (sheet sling and pelvic binder) and invasive procedures (external fixator and pelvic C-clamp). Nevertheless, there is no recommended standard as to which procedure for EES should be used. Prospectively collected data between 2007 and 2016 from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry were used to evaluate 989 patients with in-hospital EES. Besides age, gender and injury severity score (ISS), the fracture classification was evaluated. Furthermore, the frequency of used EES, time to application, their reported efficacy and the frequencies of change to another EES were investigated. The use of pelvic binders increased up to 40% while all other procedures decreased in frequency over the 10-year period. The ISS was highest in patients treated with a pelvic C-clamp or combination of pelvic C-clamp and external fixator (p < 0.05). Non-invasive stabilization was applied significantly faster than invasive procedures (p < 0.0001). Overall, the reported efficacy was good (at least 70%) for all procedures but with poorest results for the pelvic binder and best for the external fixator (p < 0.00001). Most change to another EES was found for the sheet sling and pelvic binder. In case of suspected unstable pelvic fracture, an EES should be performed, in case of doubt with a non-invasive EES until imaging and final diagnosis. Which method should be used depends on the individual situation and the available information about the overall injury pattern. Invasive EES are preferable for treatment according to Damage Control Orthopaedics.

Use of pelvic C-clamp as a resuscitation instrument and attentional points of it

Use of pelvic C-clamp as a resuscitation instrument and attentional points of it

Western Trauma Association Critical Decisions in Trauma: Management of pelvic fracture with hemodynamic instability-2016 updates.

Western Trauma Association Critical Decisions in Trauma: Management of pelvic fracture with hemodynamic instability-2016 updates.

The role of angio-embolization in the acute treatment concept of severe pelvic ring injuries

BackgroundIn recent years a wide variety of strategies to treat the haemodynamically unstable patient with pelvic ring fractures have been proposed. This study evaluates our institutional management of patients with severe pelvic fractures and analyses their outcomes. MethodsRetrospective review of all severely injured trauma patients with pelvic ring injuries admitted to a level I trauma centre from 2007 to 2012. Patient records were documented prospectively in a trauma database and evaluation was performed by SPSS. ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 173 patients with pelvic ring fractures were admitted and formed the basis of this study. Overall, 46% of the patients had suffered a type A fracture, 25% a type B fracture and the remaining 29% a type C pelvic ring fracture. Surgical treatment was required in 21% of the patients (pelvic C-clamp, n = 6; supra-acetabular external fixator, n = 32; pelvic packing, n = 12; definitive plate osteosynthesis of the pubis symphysis, n = 6). Angio-embolization was performed in 16 patients (9%); in 8 patients it was the only specific treatment for the pelvic injury on day 0 and in 8 patients it was performed immediately post-operatively. The overall mortality rate was 12.7% (n = 22), with the type C pelvic fractures having the highest mortality (30.0%). Four patients died immediately after admission in the shock room. ConclusionsAngiographic embolization as a first-line treatment was only performed in haemodynamically stable patients or in patients responding to fluid resuscitation with the finding of an arterial blush in the CT scan. In haemodynamically unstable patients, pre-peritoneal pelvic packing in combination with mechanical pelvic stabilization was immediately carried out, followed by angio-embolization post-operatively if signs of persistent bleeding remained present.

The Role of Pelvic Packing for Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Ring Injuries

In patients with severe pelvic fractures, exsanguinating hemorrhage represents the major cause of death within the first 24 hours. Recently, multiple management algorithms have been proposed; however, the optimal treatment modalities, in particular, in the hemodynamically unstable patient with pelvic fracture are still a matter of debate. Mechanical pelvic stabilization by pelvic binder, anterior external fixator, and/or pelvic C-clamp constitutes the first treatment option in the hemodynamically unstable patient with pelvic fractures. The mechanically stabilized pelvic ring provides the basis for pelvic packing through a minimal extraperitoneal approach, which effectively controls venous bleeding and bleeding from the fractured bony surface. Patients with persistent hypotension and/or transfusion requirements should undergo angiography and selective embolization for definitive arterial control if necessary. This review article describes the current trend in the initial management of patients with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability, and focuses on the role of pelvic packing.

Individual and team training with first time users of the Pelvic C-Clamp: do they remember or will we need refresher trainings?

Pelvic ring injuries with associated hemorrhage from the presacral venous plexus are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. The Pelvic C-Clamp is an often discussed, yet seldom used device for both skeletal and hemodynamic stabilization. In a recent study we have addressed this issue and have stressed the importance of regular training sessions with the device. This study is aimed as an extended follow up with a special focus on how trained skills are retained over time. 32 participants with various levels of training were taught to use the clamp. Thirty-six hours later, a hands-on session was performed where the time needed for placement and accuracy of placement were evaluated on a model in individual and team settings. 12months later a re-evaluation was performed. Evaluation showed that during the first session, 57/64 pins (89.15%) were placed inside the safe area. The team training results showed reduced times for assembly and more exact pin placement. In the re-evaluation 1year later, 75% of all pins were safely placed and the time needed for assembly was significantly longer. The majority of 57 pins were placed in the safe area within 6min after one single training session. This reproduces the Australian data and supports the theory that adequately educated and skilled physicians should be able to handle the device properly. The data from the re-evaluation suggest that repeating the training session with the device improves performance.

Single training session for first time pelvic C-clamp users: Correct pin placement and frame assembly

BackgroundUnstable pelvic fractures with associated haemodynamic instability are major contributors of mortality and morbidity after blunt trauma. The pelvic C-clamp is one of the methods for emergency skeletal stabilization for pelvic ring injuries with posterior instability. The application of this device is taught on courses, but it is seldom used. The safety and efficiency of C-clamp application by trained first time users is unknown. We hypothesised that the pelvic C-clamp cannot be safely positioned on a training model after one training session. Methods and materialsA theoretical and a practical session on the application of the pelvic C-clamp was held within an interval of 11.2±4.4. Twenty-seven participants of various levels of training were assessed on accuracy and efficacy of the application of the pelvic C-clamp was applied to a pelvic model (Pelvic Trainer™). Results70.4% of all participants were able to place both pins inside the safe zone, whilst 81.5% of all pins were positioned safe. 18.5% were considered to be in unsafe position. The distance to optimal target point was 9.6±7.8mm on the left (injured) hemipelvis and 8.7±7.8mm on the right (uninjured). The time needed for assembly was 99.7±39.7s, for placement it averaged at 133.9±74s. ConclusionsThe majority of pins were placed into the safe zone on a training model within 4min after one training session. 18.5% dangerous pin placement within 11 days of the training requires careful consideration (risk/benefit) in the context of a critically injured dying patient.

Management of Acute Hemorrhage in Pelvic Trauma: An Overview.

Pelvic disruption is a combination of fractures or dislocations of the pelvic ring with trauma of the soft tissues on the inside and outside of this ring. Hemodynamic instability is the result of blood loss out of the fracture fragments, the posterior venous plexus, ruptured pelvic organs, or arterial lesions. In the resuscitation phase, different measures are possible to reduce the volume of the disrupted pelvis and to restore mechanical stability. They are not competitive but complementary. Pelvic binders should be used in the prehospital phase before and during transport. Application of a pelvic C-clamp is restricted to inhospital patients with C-type pelvic ring lesions and with severe and ongoing hemodynamic instability. External fixation is most useful in B-type but also has limited value in C-type injuries. The prerequisite for pelvic packing is the restoration of mechanical stability by pelvic C-clamping or external fixation. It is effective in severe venous bleeding in the small pelvis. Pelvic angiography and selective embolization is performed in patients with active arterial bleeding. These patients can be identified by a convincing clinical picture, by early multislice computed tomography (CT) with contrast- enhanced angiographic technique, or by the persistent need for volume replacement after C-clamping, external fixation, or pelvic packing.

Emergent Management of APC-2 Pelvic Ring Injuries With an Anteriorly Placed C-Clamp

Can anteriorly placed pelvic C-clamps be used successfully in the emergent management of APC-2 pelvic fractures? Prospective cohort. Level 1 trauma center. A single-surgeon series of 24 patients with an anteroposterior compression type 2 pelvic fracture. Application of an anteriorly placed pelvic C-clamp within 2 hours of presentation. Response to hypotension, complications related to pin placement, application time, and symphyseal reduction measured on anteroposterior radiograph. Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 29 years (14-58 years) had an APC-2 pelvic fracture diagnosed by an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis on presentation. All patients were emergently managed with an anteriorly placed C-clamp applied in the emergency room (10), angiography suite (9), or operating room (5). Eleven patients presented with hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and had an average elevation of their blood pressure of 23 mm Hg (10-44 mm Hg). The symphyseal separation was reduced from a mean of 4.5 cm (3-9 cm) to <2 cm in all cases and to <1 cm in 21 of 24 cases. Complications included 1 misdiagnosis of an APC-3 injury and 2 cases in which the clamp became dislodged when the patients were rolled in the intensive care unit. Thirteen patients required laparotomy or angiography for further management after the C-clamp was applied. The C-clamp was easily draped out of the field for both procedures. The pelvic C-clamp can be placed anteriorly as a part of the early management of APC-2 pelvic fractures with a short application time in a variety of patient care areas.

Case Report: The Prone Reduction of a Sacroiliac Disruption with a Pelvic C-clamp

The pelvic C-clamp traditionally is reserved for the temporizing stabilization of posterior ring injuries and reportedly has assisted in closed reduction of sacroiliac diastases, for patients who are in the supine position. We report a patient with a severely displaced Zone II sacral fracture and associated acetabular fracture who initially underwent fixation of the acetabulum in the prone position. By using the pelvic C-clamp as a tool for successfully reducing the sacrum, definitive closed fixation of the pelvic wing subsequently was performed without having to reposition the patient. In this case report, we review the literature on this device and for alternative reduction maneuvers for disrupted sacral injuries. The C-clamp may be a useful adjunct in select cases to facilitate closed reduction of sacral or sacroiliac joint disruptions, as may particularly apply in cases of severe displacement or when a reduction is hampered by obesity.

The application of the pelvic C-clamp in polytrauma patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures

The application of the pelvic C-clamp in polytrauma patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures

Anterior versus posterior pin placement of pelvic C-clamp in relationship to anatomical structures: A cadaver study

The objective of this study was to compare anterior and posterior pin placement of the pelvic C-clamp with specific reference to the proximity of the sciatic nerve, sciatic notch, hip joint capsule, and superior gluteal neurovascular bundle. The pelvic C-clamp (Synthes, Paoli, PA) was applied to eight extracted pelvic specimens and five full cadavers (26 hips in total). Anterior and posterior pin placements were measured in relationship to the described anatomical structures. In 100% of the hips the distance from the posterior pin to the hip joint capsule was in 21 (80.8%), 23 (88.5%), and 20 (76.9%) of the hips, the anterior pin distances were greater than the posterior pin distances to the sciatic nerve, sciatic notch, and superior gluteal neurovascular bundle, respectively. Anterior pin placement is further from all anatomical structures studies with the exception of the hip joint capsule. The posterior pin was closer to the sciatic nerve, sciatic notch, and superior gluteal neurovascular bundle in all cases. Clinical decision-making for C-clamp placement should be individualised on a case-by-case basis.

Intraoperative Use of the Pelvic c-clamp as an Aid in Reduction for Posterior Sacroiliac Fixation

Posterior pelvic ring injuries with dissociation of the sacroiliac joint can be a therapeutic challenge. Open procedures for reduction have a significant risk for wound complications although inadequate reductions using percutaneous methods can have poor long-term outcomes. Several indirect reduction methods have been previously described for closed reduction of the sacroiliac joint. We present our technique for the intraoperative use of the pelvic c-clamp as a reduction aid for the posterior pelvis in conjunction with percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. This technique has been used routinely in our patients who sustain injuries to the sacroiliac joint and are candidates for closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. Our objective is to provide orthopedic surgeons an additional means by which to reduce sacroiliac disruptions by percutaneous means.

(ii) Acute management of pelvic ring fractures

Summary During the primary survey, patients with pelvic ring fractures undergo decision making for day 1 surgery including life-saving surgery, damage control surgery and early total care or delayed definitive surgery dependent on haemodynamic status, physiologic criteria (hypothermia, coagulopathy, acidosis), scoring of injury severity and personal or operative resources. The staged sequential procedures of ‘pelvic damage control' include damage control surgery with control of haemorrhage and contamination, decompression of abdominal and pelvic compartment syndromes, debridement of soft tissue injuries as well as temporary or definitive osteosynthesis, followed by resuscitation in the intensive care unit, ‘second-look' operations, scheduled definitive surgery and secondary reconstructive surgery. External fixation of the posterior pelvic ring by pelvic C-clamp and pelvic packing represent the work horses for haemorrhage control of severe pelvic ring injuries in haemodynamically unstable patients, whereas angiographic embolisation is an option for haemodynamically stable patients or persistent bleeding after or during damage control surgery.

Control of severe hemorrhage using C-clamp and arterial embolization in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring disruption

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in patients with a pelvic fracture. The majority of blood loss derives from injured retroperitoneal veins and broad cancellous bone surfaces. The emergency management of multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption and severe hemorrhage remains controversial. Although it is well accepted that the displaced pelvic ring injury must be rapidly reduced and stabilized, the methods by which control of hemorrhagic shock is achieved remain under discussion. It has been proposed to exclusively use external pelvic ring stabilization for control of hemorrhage by producing a 'tamponade effect' of the pelvis. However, the frequency of clinically important arterial bleeding after external fixation of the pelvic ring remains unclear. We therefore undertook this retrospective review to attempt to answer this one important question: How frequently is arterial embolization necessary to control hemorrhage and restore hemodynamic stability after external pelvic ring fixation? We performed a retrospective review of 55 consecutive patients who presented with unstable types B and C pelvic ring fractures. Those patients designated as being in hemorrhagic shock (defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg after receiving 2 L of intravenous crystalloid) were treated by application of the pelvic C-clamp. Patients who remained in hemorrhagic shock, or were determined to be in severe shock (defined as mandatory catecholamines or more than 12 blood transfusions over 2 h), underwent therapeutic angiography within 24 h in order to control bleeding. Fourteen patients were identified as being hemodynamically unstable (ISS 30.1 +/- 11.3 points) and were treated with a C-clamp. In those patients with persistent hemodynamic instability, arterial embolization was performed. After C-clamp application, 5 of 14 patients required therapeutic angiography to control bleeding. Two patients died, one from multiple sources of bleeding and the other from an open pelvic fracture (total mortality 2/14, 14%). Although the C-clamp is effective in controlling hemorrhage, one must be aware of the need for arterial embolization to restore hemodynamic stability in a select subgroup of patients.

Emergency Stabilization of Pelvic Instabilities with the Pelvic C-Clamp

Emergency stabilization of translationally unstable injuries/fractures of the pelvic ring (type C injuries). Temporary, rarely definitive, restoration of form and function of the posterior pelvis. Emergency stabilization of sacroiliac disruptions and fractures of the sacrum in type C pelvic injuries. Type B injuries with clinically apparent instability (rotational instability) and type C injuries (disruption of sacroiliac joint, fractured sacrum) with associated circulatory instability. Pelvic type A fractures. Pelvic fractures involving the iliac wing(s). Rotational instability of the pelvis without associated circulatory instability (type B). Closed reduction applying traction, pressure and rotation to the affected hemipelvis. Stab incisions and bilateral percutaneous introduction of the pins. Compression of the C-clamp under fluoroscopic monitoring stabilizes the posterior pelvic ring. Depending upon the patient’s general condition, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) will often be performed at a later time. 39 patients with type C pelvic injuries underwent primary stabilization with the pelvic C-clamp. The patients’ average age was 36 years (11–89 years), 29 were men, ten woman. With the exception of two, all patients had sustained either multiple injuries, or polytrauma. The mean Hannover Polytrauma Score (HPS) was 39.9 points (11–79 points). Ten patients had a disrupted sacroiliac joint, 29 an unstable fracture of the sacrum. On admission, all patients with the exception of four were considered hemodynamically unstable. The initial hemoglobin count was 6.7 g/dl (3.1–12.3 g/dl) on average, the average base excess amounted to –8.7 mmol/l (+2 to –28.0 mmol/l), average systolic blood pressure on admission was 82 mmHg (0–130 mmHg), corresponding to marked findings of shock. At the time of C-clamp application, the indication for the C-clamp was a pelvic instability in 13 patients alone, and in 26 patients the pelvic instability was associated with a circulatory instability. In 15 patients the circulatory situation stabilized after application of the C-clamp. Complications occurred in seven patients (excessive compression of sacral fractures in three patients, one pin malpositioning, two bleeders from pin channels, one perforation of the ilium). This reflects a steep learning curve.

Open pelvic fracture. Treatment strategy and results for 12 patients

This article presents treatment priorities for open pelvic fracture and the results of 12 patients. In a retrospective study we analyzed 12 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center between 1994 and 1998 of whom eight were male and four female with an average age of 29.6 years. Six type C (6 x III degrees open) and six type B (4 x II degrees and 2 x III degrees open) were identified. On average, 15 EKs were necessary within the first 12 h of treatment (type C=17, type B=13). All type C fractures underwent emergency stabilization with the pelvic C-clamp. Early laparotomy was performed in 60%. Perineal laceration was identified in 58%, followed by nerve and plexus lesions in 42%, injuries of the genitourinary tract in 33%, and lesions of the fecal stream in 25%. Altogether, there were more peripelvic injuries associated with type C fracture than with type B (12 vs 8). On average, there were 27 second-look operations necessary with 3-.2 operations per patient. The average stay in the ICU was 82 days (80-360); 25% died. Control of hemorrhage is fundamental; therefore, emergency stabilization of the pelvis is essential followed by surgical procedures. Early surgical definitive stabilization of the fracture decreases septic complications. Such complex injuries should be treated at specialized trauma centers.

Pelvic emergency clamps: anatomic landmarks for a safe primary application.

The application of the pelvic clamp as a tool for emergency stabilization of unstable pelvic ring fractures has proved to be a life-saving procedure. Using correct technique, the pelvic clamp can be applied within a few minutes after the patient's admission. To avoid severe complications (eg, pin perforation into the pelvis) during the application, anatomic landmarks for the correct pin placement have to be defined. The surface landmarks that are presently recommended for the correct pin placement are not always reliably found due to deformation of the body surface caused by swelling and hematoma. Our experience with 43 emergency applications of the pelvic C-clamp showed that reliable anatomic landmarks on the bony surface of the innominate bone could be identified to ensure correct pin placement. The ideal insertion point of the pins is an anatomic region on the lateral cortex of the ileum, where an easily palpable "groove" is formed by angulations of the lateral cortex of the iliac wing. Being increasingly used as an entry point for percutaneous transiliosacral screw fixations of sacroiliac joint injuries and sacral fractures, this region, which is close to the sacroiliac joint, represents an ideal point for maximum compression of the posterior pelvic ring. With the described technique, this "groove" can be identified easily even in emergency situations by blunt palpation with an instrument, avoiding the time-consuming use of a fluoroscope in most cases.