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Polytrauma and Orthopedic Damage Control Surgery

Emergency management of multi-organ and bone injuries.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Polytrauma and Orthopedic Damage Control Surgery?

Polytrauma is defined as injury in more than one body region with at least one being life-threatening. Traffic accidents, falls from height and blast injuries are the most common causes.

Damage Control Orthopaedics (DCO) defers definitive fracture surgery in critically ill patients and provides temporary stabilization. The goal is to reduce the physiological load of surgery and allow patient recovery.

Early stabilization of long-bone fractures reduces the risk of fat embolism, ARDS and multiorgan failure. Treatment decisions are guided by the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the patient's physiological status.

Symptoms

Pain, deformity and injury findings in multiple regions
Hemodynamic instability (hypotension, tachycardia)
Altered consciousness
Open fractures and soft tissue injury
Respiratory distress

Risk Factors

High-speed traffic accidents
Falls from height (more than 3 meters)
Blast and crush injuries
Motorcycle and bicycle accidents

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • After multi-system trauma (requires emergency medical care)
  • When traffic injury affects more than one region
  • When confusion and hemodynamic instability are present

Treatment Methods

01
Priority assessment and resuscitation per ATLS protocol
02
Emergency surgical treatment of life-threatening injuries
03
Temporary external fixation for long-bone fractures (DCO)
04
Definitive fracture surgery after hemodynamic stabilization
05
Emergency debridement and antibiotics for open fractures
06
Intensive care monitoring and multidisciplinary approach

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.