title: Orthopaedic management in the polytrauma patient.
abstract: The past century has seen many changes in the management of the polytraumatized orthopaedic patient. Early recommendations for non-operative treatment have evolved into early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedic (DCO) treatment principles. These principles force the treating orthopaedist to take into account multiple patient parameters including hypothermia, coagulopathy and volume status before deciding upon the operative plan. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving critical care physicians, anesthesiologists and others.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA.
authors.forename: Jason J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Halvorson
authors.forename: Holly T-P
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Pilson
authors.forename: Eben A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Zhongyu John
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000628:therapy*; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team