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Pathophysiology of Polytrauma

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Book cover The Poly-Traumatized Patient with Fractures

Abstract

The pathophysiology of the polytraumatized patient is a complex phenomenon aiming at the restoration of homeostasis and preservation of life. The initial response to major trauma is dominated by the effort to control the shock. During the subsequent phase of the immune system activation (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome – SIRS – and Counter Anti-inflammatory Response Syndrome – CARS) the organism is trying to restore the physiologic equilibrium. Depending on the characteristics of the initial trauma (first hit) and the impact of actions and interventions that follow (second hit), patients may either recover or develop complications. In cases where the patient is physiologically unstable, our clinical decisions should be governed by the principle of Damage Control Orthopaedics (DCO) in order to minimize the second hit insult. Accordingly, reliable clinical evaluation of the physiologic status of the patient and immunomonitoring are of paramount importance.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Trauma Fellow, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK

    Theodoros Tosounidis

  2. Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK

    Peter V. Giannoudis (Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery)

  3. A Floor Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    Peter V. Giannoudis (Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery)

Authors
  1. Theodoros Tosounidis
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  2. Peter V. Giannoudis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter V. Giannoudis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, 52057, Germany

    Hans-Christoph Pape

  2. Florida Orthopaedic Institute, N. Telecom Parkway 13020, Temple Terrace, 33637, Florida, USA

    Roy Sanders

  3. Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, University of Texas, Harry Hines Blvd. 5323, Dallas, 75390, Texas, USA

    Joseph Borrelli, Jr.

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Tosounidis, T., Giannoudis, P.V. (2011). Pathophysiology of Polytrauma. In: Pape, HC., Sanders, R., Borrelli, Jr., J. (eds) The Poly-Traumatized Patient with Fractures. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17986-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17986-0_5

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-17986-0

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