Pelvic Fractures and TPOD

Question 1

Why are pelvic fractures problematic?

Answer 1

• Significant internal bleeding (4-4.5L of blood can be lost without clear external signs)
• Significant injury to pelvic organs

Question 2

List complications of major pelvic trauma

Answer 2

• Exsanguination
• Genitourinary trauma
• damage to bowel, vaginal or neural structures

Question 3

List signs and symptoms of pelvic fractures

Answer 3

• Pain
• Hypotension + tachycardia
• Decreased perfusion and hypovolaemia
• Haematoma
• Vagina/rectal/urethral bleeding
• neurological/vascular abnormalities
• swollen testicles

Question 4

What pelvic binder is used in ED?

Answer 4

TPOD