Trauma
The questions in this chapter will highlight the important principles of trauma care and help you better comprehend the management of a seriously injured trauma patient.
Abstract
Trauma is a major public health problem and it is the commonest cause of death in those under the age of 40. Trauma care is a multidisciplinary specialty, and orthopaedic surgeons play an essential role in the initial and definitive management of patients with musculoskeletal injuries—saving lives and saving limb. The care provided to seriously injured trauma patients has improved significantly for a variety of reasons, including enhanced pre-hospital input, provision of care within a network of Major Trauma Units, and the availability of specialist rehabilitation services in hospital and in the community. The primary aim of the trauma team is to rapidly assess, resuscitate, and stabilize trauma patients and determine the extent of injuries sustained, so that the most appropriate immediate treatment can be administered. The questions in this chapter will highlight the important principles of trauma care and help you better comprehend the management of a seriously injured trauma patient.