Comprehensive Treatment of the Multiply Injured Patient. A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: We describe the case of a 35-year-old man who suffered multiple organ injuries following a traffic accident.

CASE REPORT: A total of 47 fractures were diagnosed in that patient. He was treated in stages according to the principles of Damage Control Orthopedics. He underwent 6 sessions of surgery with 23 surgical approaches. A follow-up examination at 12 months post injury found bone union of all fractures. The clinical and functional outcome of treatment was good as joint mobility was similar to the pre-accident status and the patient returned to work.

CONCLUSIONS: In polytrauma patients, rapid and accurate diagnostic procedures combined with quick and accurate clinical decisions regarding treatment procedures have an impact on late outcomes. The order of stages of treatment should be determined by the general condition of the patient and type of injuries.