Principles of Trauma

Abstract

Orthopedic trauma surgeons play a pivotal role in the management of trauma patients. It is important to keep in mind the ABC’s of the trauma primary survey: Airway, Breathing and Circulation during evaluation. The secondary survey includes a comprehensive and focused physical exam, often identifying extremity injuries. Life-saving measures should be initiated prior to limb-saving interventions. Often in the polytrauma patient, damage control orthopedics may be necessary. Damage control orthopedics consists of the stabilization of non-life-threatening orthopedic injuries until the patient is adequately resuscitated and optimized for definitive fixation. Traumatic injuries place a burden on society in terms of disability, lost income potential, and healthcare expenditures. Orthopedic trauma can be a versatile entity, consisting of high energy injuries, fragility fractures in elderly patients, and infections.