Apparatus and method for stabilizing pelvic ring disruption

Abstract

A pelvic sling device is provided for reducing a fractured pelvis. The device includes a belt member and a buckle component that automatically locks at an optimal predetermined tension level to provide distributed hoop-like compression and reduction for a fractured pelvis.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of stabilizing a fractured pelvis comprising 
 securing a belt around a person's fractured pelvis, and    automatically setting the belt at a tension level that has been predetermined to substantially reduce a fractured pelvis without excessive compression.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the setting step includes the step of operating a buckle device that automatically establishes an appropriate circumference for the belt when the tension on the belt is in the range of approximately 150 N to 250 N.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 2    further comprising the step of 
 conducting x-ray analysis through the belt to acquire information about the fracture.  
 
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 2   , wherein the securing step includes the step of securing the belt symmetrically by pulling on opposite end portions of the belt simultaneously, thereby stabilizing the fractured pelvis evenly.  
     
     
         5 . A method of securing a pelvic fixator comprising 
 temporarily reducing a fractured pelvis by tightening a belt device around a person's pelvis, and    securing a pelvic fixator while the belt is secured around the person's pelvis.    
     
     
         6 . The method of    claim 5    further comprising the step of 
 automatically setting an appropriate tension on the belt by providing a buckle that locks and maintains a circumference for the belt when the tension is in the range of approximately 150 N to 250 N.  
 
     
     
         7 . A method of reducing a pelvic fracture comprising 
 applying circumferential external distributed pressure around a person's pelvis by securing a belt having a tension in the range of approximately 150 N to 250 N.    
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 7    further comprising the step of 
 transporting the person to a hospital.  
 
     
     
         9 . A method of stabilizing a fractured pelvis in an emergency situation comprising 
 securing a sling member around a person's fractured pelvis, and    tightening a sling member by operating a buckle mechanism that exhibits a hysteresis effect between the minimal force required to lock the buckle and the maximal force required to unlock the buckle.