Fig. 56.—Fracture of left Iliac Bone; and of both Pubic Arches.
Treatment.—It is of importance that the patient be moved and handled with care lest fragments become displaced and injure the viscera. He should be put to bed on a firm mattress, which may be made in three pieces, for convenience in using the bed-pan and for the prevention of bed-sores.
Before the treatment of the fracture is commenced, the surgeon must satisfy himself, by the use of the catheter and by other means, that the urethra and bladder are intact. Should these or any other of the pelvic viscera be damaged, such injuries must first receive attention.
The treatment of the fracture itself consists in adjusting the fragments, as far as possible by manipulation, applying a firm binder or many-tailed bandage round the pelvis, and fixing the knees together by a bandage ([Fig. 57]).
Fig. 57.—Many-tailed Bandage and Binder for Fracture of Pelvic Girdle.
When there is displacement of fragments extension should be applied to both legs, with the limbs abducted and steadied by sand-bags.