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Single training session for first time pelvic C-clamp users: correct pin placement and frame assembly.
Hildegard Koller1, Zsolt J Balogh
1Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Injury
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Trained first-time users can apply the pelvic C-clamp to a pelvic model with most pins in the safe zone. However, a significant percentage of unsafe placements warrant caution in critical trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Emergencies
- Skeletal Stabilization
Background:
- Unstable pelvic fractures with hemodynamic instability are life-threatening complications of blunt trauma.
- The pelvic C-clamp is an emergency device for stabilizing posterior pelvic ring injuries.
- Its application is taught but rarely used, with unknown safety and efficacy in novice users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pelvic C-clamp application by first-time users after a single training session.
- To test the hypothesis that the C-clamp cannot be safely positioned by novice users on a training model.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven participants with varying training levels received theoretical and practical C-clamp training.
- Participants applied the C-clamp to a pelvic model (Pelvic Trainer™).
- Accuracy, efficacy, and time for application were assessed.
Main Results:
- 70.4% of participants placed both pins in the safe zone; 81.5% of all pins were safely positioned.
- 18.5% of pin placements were considered unsafe.
- Average placement time was approximately 4 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The majority of pelvic C-clamp pins were placed safely on a training model after one session.
- The 18.5% rate of dangerous pin placement necessitates careful risk-benefit assessment in critically injured patients.
