Prospective Study of Military Special Operations Medical Personnel and Lower Extremity Fracture Immobilization in an Austere Environment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Austere fracture immobilization equipment and techniques are often overlooked, with few studies critically evaluating the process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current austere splinting techniques and equipment used for lower extremity fractures while field testing a new 1-step spray-on foam splint.

Methods

This is a prospective analysis of austere splinting techniques. A cadaveric model with a distal third tibia-fibula fracture was used for testing. The specimens were placed in an austere environment and participants immobilized the injury with standard equipment (structural aluminum malleable [SAM] splint, 6-in. ACE wrap) while being critically evaluated. The specimens were also immobilized with a 1-step in-situ foam splint.

Results

Twenty-on

SUBMITTER: Martin LKD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8697082 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature