Clinical Management And Challenges In Polytrauma

Trauma is still a leading cause of death in patients below 40 years of age. Clinical management of severely injured patients is challenging in all phases of treatment during the clinical course. Numerous factors, such as injury severity, injury pattern, patient characteristics and trauma system, affect the decision-making process in our patients. After the successful initial management of an unstable multiply injured patient, secondary definitive surgeries and reconstructions may have a risk for further systemic complications and the deterioration of the patient's physiology. A "Safe Definitive Surgery" (SDS) concept considers the dynamics of the clinical course (prehospital, operations, complications, etc.) and the patient's physiology. Due to the repeated re-evaluation and assessment of the patient's clinical course, dynamics and adaptation of the treatment strategy, the safe management of polytraumatized patients is possible. Many unanswered questions still exist and need to be addressed in future studies: Which patients profit by the damage control strategy and which do not? When is it best to start with the definitive fixation of fractures in multiply injured patients? How can one improve the quality of life in polytraumatized patients? What are the strategies in elderly severely injured patients? With this Special Issue, we would like to stimulate research in the field of polytrauma in order to shed light on the above-mentioned questions.

This book is an unparalleled source of cutting-edge information on every aspect of rescue, trauma management, and fracture care in the polytrauma/multiple injured patient. Damage control surgery is approached logically and systematically by dividing treatment into phases. The common goal of treating life-threatening conditions first, then treating major pelvic and extremity fractures, requires cooperation among all major disciplines and subspecialties involved in the care of polytrauma patients, and the book is accordingly multidisciplinary in nature. It is edited by pioneers in the field and the authors are all acclaimed experts. This second, revised and updated edition of Damage Control Management in the Polytrauma Patient will be invaluable for all clinicians who must weigh life-saving operations against limb-threatening conditions, including emergency personnel, trauma surgeons, orthopaedic traumatologists, and anesthesiologists.

This textbook is a fully updated and revised third edition of a highly successful practical guide to the care of the polytrauma patient. Broadening its readership to students, this new edition comprehensively describes the clinical course of multiple and severe injuries, from the accident scene to rehabilitation. It provides essential practical information on the care of patients both with blunt and penetrating trauma to multiple body regions, and discusses the management of truncal injuries (head, chest, abdomen) as well as fractures of the extremities, pelvis and spine. Further, the book highlights associated injuries that may alter decisions concerning patients with polytrauma. This new, revised edition takes full account of recent developments, including the increasing economic pressure on health care systems, prehospital treatment, changes in trauma systems and related education, and the improved survival of polytrauma patients. Also covering improved monitoring options along with issues in late patient outcomes and rehabilitation this work will greatly assist students, emergency personnel, trauma surgeons, orthopaedic traumatologists, and anesthesiologists.

Compartment syndrome is a complex physiologic process with significant potential harm, and though an important clinical problem, the basic science and research surrounding this entity remains poorly understood. This unique open access book fills the gap in the knowledge of compartment syndrome, re-evaluating the current state of the art on this condition. The current clinical diagnostic criteria are presented, as well as the multiple dilemmas facing the surgeon. Pathophysiology, ischemic thresholds and pressure management techniques and limitations are discussed in detail. The main surgical management strategy, fasciotomy, is then described for both the upper and lower extremities, along with wound care. Compartment syndrome due to patient positioning, in children and polytrauma patients, and unusual presentations are likewise covered. Novel diagnosis and prevention strategies, as well as common misconceptions and legal ramifications stemming from compartment syndrome, round out the presentation. Unique and timely, Compartment Syndrome: A Guide to Diagnosis and Management will be indispensable for orthopedic and trauma surgeons confronted with this common yet challenging medical condition.

Handbook of Polytrauma Care and Rehabilitation summarizes the most frequent medical and psychological problems encountered by combat survivors and patients with concurrent injuries to the brain and other body systems. The book offers a roadmap for clinicians on how to initiate and follow through the continuum of care necessary to achieving positive outcomes. Individual chapters focus on the myriad problems and conditions that polytrauma patients present with including traumatic brain injury, concussion, spinal cord injury,, amputation, and PTSD, and other medical and psychological issues such as pain, depression, headache, insomnia, fatigue, alcohol and substance abuse, dizziness, light sensitivity, and work and family issues. Algorithms and detailed appendices provide guides for assessment and medical treatment that can be used in daily practice. Handbook of Polytrauma Care and Rehabilitation features: First handbook focused on polytrauma Practical, pocket-sized manual featuring real-world care for common problems Covers medical, physical, psychological, and vocational issues Easy to read text, with flow charts to highlight key concepts Authors work directly with the VA, military and academic sectors in the care of these patients

This case-based approach to the intensive care medicine curriculum provides 48 case studies linking core knowledge to clinical context. Topics chosen have been mapped to eight key areas of study, making this ideal for both FFICM and EDIC exam candidates.

This fourth edition of the Oxford Textbook of Clinical Nephrology builds on the success and international reputation of the publication as an important resource for the practising clinician in the field. It provides practical, scholarly, and evidence-based coverage of the full spectrum of clinical nephrology, written by a global faculty of experts. The most relevant and important reference to clinical nephrology, this is an authoritative and comprehensive textbook combining the clinical aspects of renal disease essential to daily clinical practice with extensive information about the underlying basic science and current evidence available. Each section of the textbook has been critically and comprehensively edited under the auspices of a leading expert in the field. This new edition has been significantly expanded and reapportioned to reflect developments and new approaches to topics, and includes treatment algorithms to aid and enhance patient care where possible. The fourth edition offers increased focus on the medical aspects of transplantation, HIV-associated renal disease, and infection and renal disease, alongside entirely new sections on genetic topics and clinical and physiological aspects of fluid/electrolyte and tubular disorders. The emphasis throughout is on marrying advances in scientific research with clinical management. Richly illustrated throughout in full colour, this is a truly modern and attractive edition which reinforces the Oxford Textbook of Clinical Nephrology's position as an indispensable reference work of consistent quality and reliability. Enriched and refined by careful revision, this new edition continues the tradition of excellence. This print edition of The Oxford Textbook of Clinical Nephrology comes with a year's access to the online version on Oxford Medicine Online. By activating your unique access code, you can read and annotate the full text online, follow links from the references to primary research materials, and view, enlarge and download all the figures and tables. Oxford Medicine Online is mobile optimized for access when and where you need it.