Use of the Pelvic C-Clamp to Mitigate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Patient with an Unstable Sacral Fracture. (18th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DeRogatis, Michael J.; Issack, Paul S.
• Other Names: Di Cesare Paul E. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in orthopedics. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-02-18
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/6412760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6749

Abstract

Abstract : Case . We present the case of a 21-year-old man who fell from a roof, sustaining a displaced sacral fracture with pelvic instability. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) within 24 hours of injury. Placement of the pelvic C-clamp resulted in rapid resolution of pulmonary dysfunction, allowing for definitive internal fixation. Conclusion . The C-clamp is most commonly used to control hemorrhage in unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. Our case demonstrates a rare use of the C-clamp to stabilize the posterior pelvis in a patient with an unstable sacral fracture and ARDS, to rapidly improve pulmonary function prior to definitive surgery.