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Pelvic fracture binder — DIPIMC MCQ

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ModeratePre-Hospital TraumaPelvic fracture binderDIPIMCDipIMC

A cyclist hit by a lorry has pain over the pelvis and a mechanism suggesting significant force. The patient is haemodynamically borderline and you decide to apply a pelvic binder before moving them. At which anatomical level should the binder be centred?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Across the greater trochanters

A pelvic binder is most effective when centred over the greater trochanters, where it can reduce pelvic volume and tamponade venous bleeding. Placement over the iliac crests or abdomen is a common error that fails to compress the pelvic ring. The pelvis should not be sprung or repeatedly examined, as this may disrupt early clot. Pearl: a correctly positioned binder is a resuscitative intervention, not merely a splint.

Reference: NICE NG39 (Major Trauma); JRCALC Clinical Guidelines