Episode
PFC Podcast 275: Mastering Pelvic Fracture Management
- Podcast
- Prolonged Field Care Podcast
- Published
- Apr 20, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1816
- Processing state
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Summary
In this episode of the PFC Podcast , Dennis is joined by Dr. Brigham Au — 10-year orthopedic trauma surgeon, former Parkland trauma faculty, and fellowship-trained at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute — for a no-fluff masterclass on pelvic fractures. From high-energy MVCs and falls to sneaky low-energy geriatric injuries, Dr. Au breaks down exactly what matters in the prehospital/prolonged field care environment: stability, pain control, binders, and what actually saves lives. Whether you’re a combat medic, critical care paramedic, or wilderness provider, this is the episode that turns pelvic fractures from “scary” to “manageable.” Takeaways Physical exam beats imaging every time in the field — Gross manipulation is overrated; gentle leg positioning and pain response tell you more than you think. Pelvic binders WORK. Institutional protocols using them early cut mortality in half. Stop quoting tiny European studies — read the full papers. Simple field hack: Pull both ankles together, internally rotate, and secure the legs (sheet, belt, ACE wrap, buddy-tape style). Uses the good leg to splint the bad one and dramatically cuts pain during movement. Don’t hesitate — if you even suspect an unstable pelvis (or the patient is hemodynamically unstable), slap the binder on tight over the greater trochanters. Life > skin necrosis in the first 24–48 hours. Geriatric ground-level falls are DEADLY — higher mortality than many gunshots once they decompensate. Treat them like the sickest patient in the room. Read beyond the abstract. Small studies make for great Instagram soundbites but terrible clinical decisions. Improvised binders? Belt around the trochanters, cut pant legs, or a rolled sheet — just get it low and tight. Patient comfort during movement is your best feedback. Th…