Der Unfallchirurg
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Road traffic crashes pose a major threat to individuals and national health systems. Developing countries account for 48% of motorized vehicles, but for 91% of the 1.3 million fatalities per annum. ⋯ This article reviews current prognoses of deaths and disabilities, the characteristics of crashes in low and middle income countries and evidence-based road safety interventions. This article is considered a wake-up call for trauma, orthopaedic, and emergency surgeons in high-income countries to join the global community in fighting the neglected yet potentially curable epidemic named road traffic injuries.
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Review
[Injury severity and pattern at the scene. What is the influence of the mechanism of injury?].
The mechanism of injury is the major cause for trauma team activation and emergency room resuscitation of trauma victims. To date, it remains unclear to what extent the injury mechanism influences injury pattern and severity. ⋯ The systematic literature research showed inconsistent results regarding the influence of trauma mechanisms on the resulting injury. Therefore, a treatment algorithm for trauma patients should be independent of the mechanism which is represented in several training programs (e.g. ATLS and PHTLS). However, the mechanism of injury may increase the alertness of the trauma team with respect to injury distribution and severity.