Internal rotation and taping of the lower extremities for closed pelvic reduction.

Abstract

External rotation of the disrupted hemipelvis is a common deformity after pelvic ring trauma, especially in anteroposterior compression injury patterns. This displacement is associated with significant pelvic hemorrhage. Emergent closed reduction techniques are necessary to diminish the potential pelvic volume, provide temporary stability, and allow tamponade with clot formation. Circumferential pelvic antishock sheeting is effective but may be cumbersome, especially in patients with truncal obesity. In such scenarios, circumferential pelvic area sheeting does not always achieve a complete reduction. We present a technique of internal rotation and taping of the lower extremities as an alternative or supplemental pelvic closed reduction method.