The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a structural barrier to invasion by microbes. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) vary from minor to life-threatening. These infections may involve the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, deep…
The frequency of burn injury and its subsequent multisystem effects make the treatment of burn patients a commonly encountered management challenge for the trauma/critical care surgeon. The emergency surgery components of initial burn care include fluid resuscitation and ventilatory support,…
The year 2030 marks a turning point for the US population. In 2030, all baby boomers (born 1946 to 1964) will be older than 65 years of age. One in every five Americans will be of retirement age ( Fig.…
The pregnant trauma patient presents significant challenges to the trauma surgeon. The physiologic changes in the mother during pregnancy represent both diagnostic and treatment dilemmas, and the need to treat two patients simultaneously may represent both clinical and emotional challenges…
Pediatric trauma is the leading cause of death and permanent disability for children in the United States. As is true in the medical care of children, the treatment of the injured child is different than for an injured adult. Although…
Acute traumatic injuries of the airway are rare, but lethal if not adequately assessed or managed. Acute airway injuries occur via blunt force trauma or penetrating injury. Most blunt force traumas occur from motor vehicle accidents but are closely followed…
Over 50% of hospitalized trauma patients have one or more life- or limb-threatening musculoskeletal injuries. Among adolescent and adult trauma patients, extremity injuries are the most frequent type of musculoskeletal injury and the leading cause of trauma admission. Traumatic musculoskeletal…
Finger and extremity replantation may perhaps be the most essential and challenging components of emergency hand surgery that is treated by a hand surgeon today. Microvascular surgery has revolutionized the field of emergency hand surgery in the areas of replantation…
Scapulothoracic dissociation Scapulothoracic dissociation (SD) is the traumatic disruption of the shoulder from the chest wall. It is characterized by a complete loss of scapulothoracic articulation, typically with intact skin, but may also present as an open injury with severe…
Distal radius fractures Distal radius fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries, accounting for one-sixth of all fractures seen in the emergency department (ED). As in many orthopedic injuries, there is a bimodal distribution pattern of patients presenting with…