The pelvic C-clamp for the emergency treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries. A report on clinical experience of 30 cases

An unstable pelvic ring injury was stabilized with the AO C-clamp in thirty multiply injured patients. The average ISS was 29 (19-57). Transfusions totalled 24 units of blood/fresh frozen plasma/platelets (0-117) on average. In 12 cases, the application was for an unstable fracture alone, in 18 patients there was an unstable haemodynamic situation in addition. The application was haemodynamically effective in 10 cases. In 66% of cases, the initial reduction was good and the anatomy of the pelvic ring was adequately restored. Ten patients (33%) died; five during the first hours after admission due to haemorrhagic shock; the remaining five from multiple organ failure, fat embolism and head injury. Definitive stabilization was accomplished after 4.5 days on average (0-15). Complications relating directly to the clamp did not occur. The application of the C-clamp has a clear place in the management of polytraumatized patients with linear unstable pelvic ring injuries.