Abstract

DAMAGE CONTROL ORTHOPAEDIC IN BORDERLINE POLYTRAUMA PATIENTS

V. Spassoff*

ABSTRACT

This review examines the concept of Damage Control Orthopaedic (DCO), which represents immediate life-saving operations on vital indications and the earliest possible admission of the patient in intensive care for resuscitation. The aim is to mitigate the effect of the ‘second strike’ or at least delay it until the patient is able to withstand it. Complex reconstructive procedures should be performed at the second stage after the inflammatory response has been resolved. The stages of treatment include bleeding control, resuscitation and definitive fixation followed by rehabilitation. DCO is a concept pertinent to the treatment of fractures in patients with severe injuries. Its purpose is to minimize the time for surgery and bleeding and thus minimize the ‘second wave’ of postoperative complications.

Keywords: Bleeding control, resuscitation, complications