Treating Fractures in the Field
Lesson 4: Fractures of the Lower
Extremities
4-2
4-2. IMMOBILIZE A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED HIP (SPINE BOARD)
A casualty with signs and symptoms of a fractured or dislocated hip should be immobilized using a long spine board. If a long spine board is not available, use a door, wide plank, or other firm surface to immobilize the injured extremity and pelvis. Use the log roll technique given in paragraph 2-6 to place the casualty on the spine board. Some special considerations for performing the log roll and immobilizing the casualty when he has a hip injury are given on the following page.
a. If the casualty is lying on his abdomen, turn him onto his back using the procedures given in paragraph 2-11. Position the assistants next to the casualty's uninjured side and have them secure holds on the injured side. In this way, the casualty will be rolled on his uninjured side, not his injured side.
b. When preparing to place the long spine board beneath the casualty, have the assistants kneel next to the casualty's uninjured side and have the spine board positioned on the casualty's injured side. Roll the casualty on his uninjured side, not on his injured side, and slip the board beneath the casualty. Position the casualty on the board.
c. Apply additional padding to the casualty to immobilize the hip and leg in a comfortable position. Secure padding materials in place.
(1) If the hip is dislocated, apply pillows, blankets, or other material to support the leg in its abnormal position.
(2) If the hip is fractured, place bulky support materials between the casualty's legs and strap the legs together. Position the casualty's knees in an up (flexed) position and place bulky support material beneath the knees. If there is no other major fracture of the lower extremities, support material may be placed beneath the buttocks to reduce abdominal pain.
d. Continue to check the pulse in the affected limb and observe for signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock and procedures for treating hypovolemic shock are given in Subcourse MD0554, Treating Injuries in the Field.
