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Pelvic Belt Location

Posted by jerryhesch on 08 Sep 2015 at 03:10 GMT

This is a remarkable study very thorough and will certainly enhance patient care. There is good research in the orthopedic trauma literature which indicates wearing a pelvic belt at the level of the trochanters/pubic joint yields up to 40% greater compressive forces to both the pubic joint and the sacroiliac joints (Bonner et al 2011) lt is suggested that clinicians try a traditional (higher) location which is directed at sacroiliac joint compression and also try a lower location at the trocahanters/pubic joint. Perhaps for some, there is a middle position. This seems logical given that there are fundamental differences from person to person in the fundamental joint development. If interested I have some writings on the topic on ResearchGate under the name "Jerry Hesch." I thank the authors for a very relevant study and appreciate the opportunity to add a brief commentary.

Bonner TJ, Eardley WPG, Newell, N, et al. Accurate placement of a pelvic binder improves reduction of unstable fractures of the pelvic ring. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(11):2024-8.

Mahato, N.K. (2011). Relationship of sacral articular surfaces and gender with occurrence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Published Online: September 19, 2011 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016...

No competing interests declared.

RE: Pelvic Belt Location

nielshammer replied to jerryhesch on 30 Dec 2015 at 01:25 GMT

Dear Jerry,
Thank you for posting this comment and also for adding the valuable literature concerning the effects relating to the level at which pelvic belts are worn. In the given study the pelvic belt was applied as recommended by the manufacturer, which is similar to the proposed “middle position”. However, due to the geometry of the belt and the adjustable pads close to the sacrum it may me assumed that loads are applied cranially to the sacroiliac joint and the iliac wings. Ventrally loads may be applied in the region to the pubic symphysis joint, i.e. on level of the trochanters, as shown previously:

Sichting F, Rossol J, Soisson O, Klima S, Milani T, Hammer N. Pelvic belt effects on sacroiliac joint ligaments: a computational approach to understand therapeutic effects of pelvic belts. Pain Physician. 2014;17(1): 43–51. pmid:24452644.

Kind regards, Niels

No competing interests declared.