Development of the Pelvic and Lower Limb Immobilization Device: A Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Innovation Project
BRIM Immobilizer: Design and Development
Vol. 7 No. 1 : 2012 (1-11)
Abstract
Uncontrolled bleeding due to pelvic fractures contributes to trauma-related morbidity and mortality. Three main strategies that have been outlined to combat this condition which include reduction of pelvic volume that lead to tamponade-like effect, arresting haemorrhage through angioembolization of the major vessels, and stabilization of the pelvic bone with external fixation need to be initiated early. A prehospital device that allow these strategies will aid significantly in the management of the patient. At present most devices used to treat pelvic fractures in the pre-hospital setting do have its’ own advantages but also have some limitations. A characteristic ‘wish-list’ of a good pelvic and lower limb immobilization device was created and the research team from UKM takes the challenge to design and produce a device that concurs to it. A two phase development project that incorporate anthropometric, biomechanical, cadaveric and radiological study was carried out over a period of seven years. Finally, BRIMTM immobilizer, a new pelvic and lower limb immobilization device that is user friendly, tough, cost effective, radiolucent, light and reusable that answers most of the requirement of a good device was invented.
Keywords :
BRIM immobilizer,
pelvic binder,
pelvic trauma,
pre-hospital care,
Correspondance Address
Prof. Dr. Ismail bin Mohd Saiboon, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaakob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-91455491 Fax: 03-91456577. Email: fadzmail69@yahoo.com.my/ ismail@ppukm.ukm.edu.my.
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