Major Orthopaedic Trauma

Abstract

In the primary assessment, an analysis of the trauma and a quick evaluation of the patient condition are included, advisably by the ATLS concept (Advanced Trauma Life Support) through the combination A-B-C-D-E. To secure vital life supporting functions, the A-B-C is the main priority, i.e. Airway (always secure a free airway first, this is the most urgent, and cervical spine control), Breathing (control of spontaneous breathing ability) and Circulation (control of pulse, heart activity and signs of circulatory shock with deteriorated cardiovascular function and consequent oxygen deficit). D and E represent a primary survey regarding Disability (reaction on speech/stimulation/pain) and Exposure (whole body examination) as well as Environment, respectively, in the following chronological order: Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Head (including neurology) and Skeleton. The vital functions are thus secured (with attention paid to the cervical spine) and neurological screening completed; after that the chest has the highest priority, followed by the head. People exposed to a major trauma have, on average, two to three body parts/organ systems injured.