Biomechanical validation of the field-expedient pelvic splint

Area of Science:

• Trauma care
• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical engineering

Background:

• Pelvic ring injuries contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality.
• Effective external pelvic stabilization is crucial for mitigating adverse outcomes.
• The field-expedient pelvic splint (FEPS) is an improvised technique for pelvic binding in austere settings, requiring biomechanical validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To biomechanically validate the field-expedient pelvic splint (FEPS).
• To hypothesize that the FEPS is biomechanically equivalent to a commercially available pelvic binder.

Main Methods:

• Compressive force generation of the FEPS was measured using a load frame.
• The FEPS was tested for initial force, force persistence over 6 hours, and after repeated assembly/disassembly.
• A SAM Pelvic Sling served as the control for comparison.

Main Results:

• FEPS generated 203N (1 turn) and 420N (2 turns); SAM Pelvic Sling generated 197N.
• FEPS with two turns generated significantly higher force than the SAM Pelvic Sling.
• Force generation persisted over 6 hours and remained effective after repeated use, with no significant difference after one crank.

Conclusions:

• The FEPS exerts pelvic compressive forces equivalent to commercial binders.
• FEPS maintains effective force levels over a 6-hour period and is durable after repeated use.
• FEPS presents a viable alternative for temporary pelvic stabilization in resource-limited or austere environments.