Der Unfallchirurg
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This overview reviews the literature on multiply injured patients with traumatic brain injuries. Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). A detailed analysis of the literature of traumatic brain injuries has been elaborated by the Brain Trauma Foundation and has been published in the World Wide Web (http://www2.braintrauma.org/). The following procedures should be performed in the emergency room for multiply injured patients with traumatic brain injuries: (1) recording of precise history to identify risk factors for severe traumatic brain injury, (2) measurement of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupillary reflex, and mean arterial pressure, (3) diagnostic evaluation with a CT scan, and (4) rapid surgical decompression if indicated.
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Blunt abdominal trauma is most common in the polytraumatized patient and beside neurocranial trauma one major determinant of early death in these patients. Therefore, immediate recognition of an abdominal injury is of life-saving importance. ⋯ After blunt abdominal trauma, initially ultrasound investigation should be performed in the emergency room. This should not only focus on free intraabdominal fluid but also on organ lesions. Regardless of the findings from ultrasound or clinical examination, the hemodynamically stable patient should undergo a CT-scan of the abdomen in order to proof or exclude an abdominal injury.
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Limb injuries are often underestimated in the diagnostic procedures initiated in the resuscitation room. Missed diagnosis is therefore a frequent consequence in this issue. A systematic analysis of evidence-based procedures was therefore investigated in this paper. ⋯ The quality of shock room management is mostly dependent on the experience of the " trauma team" (and especially of the trauma leader). Guidelines and specific trauma algorithms can provide a helpful instrument in this issue.
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The aim of the study was the description of personal and structural preconditions essential for adequate diagnostic requirements and treatment in severely injured patients. Herein we give detailed information regarding both the composition and qualification of the trauma team and the activation criteria as well as instructions for the design of the emergency room and technical requirements. Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). ⋯ A CT scanner should be positioned nearby. Adequate management of severely injured patients requires optimal personal and structural conditions. High costs and additional personnel are justified by improved quality of treatment.
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Injuries to the spine are often part of life-threatening multiple trauma. In this review diagnostics and emergency room management were investigated in order to formulate effective recommendations for the emergency strategy. Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). ⋯ CT imaging reaches higher rates for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in comparison to conventional radiographic series. The patient's history should be asked and clinical investigation should be done in any case. Imaging diagnostics preferably as multislice spiral CT should be performed after stabilization of the patient's general condition and before admission to the intensive care unit.