Universitätsprofessor Hans-Christoph Pape, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, RWTH Aachen.

Supported by the latest research, and covering both isolated extremity trauma and polytrauma, this overview of the damage control concept injuries discusses immunological changes, cascade reactions, and patient selection for the damage control approach.

Edited by pioneers in the field

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology.- The Damage Control Approach.- Epidemiology of Polytrauma.- Pathogenetic Changes: Isolated Extremity Trauma and Polytrauma.- Pathogenetic Changes: Secondary Abdominal Compartment Syndrome.- Impact of Head and Chest Trauma on General Condition.- Patient Selection: Orthopedic Approach in Isolated Injuries.- Patient Selection: Orthopedic Approach in Polytrauma.- Phases of Damage Control.- Phase 0: Damage Control Resuscitation in the Pre-hospital and Emergency Department Settings.- Phase I: Abbreviated Surgery.- Phase II: The ICU Phase of Damage Control: Managing the Patient from Door to Door.- Phase III:?Second Operation Repair of All Injuries General and Orthopedics.- Phase IV: Late Reconstruction Abdominal Wall Closure: Staged Management Technique.- Phase IV: Late Reconstruction: Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Soft Tissue Defects.- The Role of Interventional Radiology.- Special Aspects of Damage Control.- Head Injuries in Polytrauma Patients.- Spinal Injuries in Polytrauma Patients.- Pelvic Fractures in Polytrauma Patients.- Vascular Injuries in Polytrauma Patients.- Pediatric Trauma and Polytrauma Pediatric Patients.- Damage Control in Elderly Polytrauma Patients.- Mass Casualties: Military and Civilian.- Complications and Outcomes.- Complications and Outcomes: Abdominal, General, and Extremity Complications.- Critical Decision Points in Managing the Open Abdomen.- Functional Long-Term Outcomes in Polytrauma Patients with Orthopedic Injuries.

This guide to damage control surgery focuses on the decision-making process for managing polytrauma. Orthopedists, trauma surgeons, and emergency medicine physicians will learn how to effectively coordinate efforts. The book presents an overview of the damage control concept and the epidemiology of polytrauma injuries. Immunological changes, cascade reactions, and patient selection are discussed. Indications for life-saving procedures, damage control for truncal injuries, and damage control for extremities and pelvic fractures are outlined as well. The text also covers vascular injuries and secondary definitive procedures.