Pediatric Polytrauma

Key Points:

• Trauma is the leading cause of death in the United States for children between the ages of 1 and 14.
• Critical differences in the physiologic effects of multi-system injury exist between children and adults.
• The orthopedist’s role in managing hemodynamic instability, vascular insult, and neurologic damage is essential. 
• Unlike patients who present with isolated injuries, operative indications and postoperative immobilization differ in the multiply injured pediatric patient.
• Early fracture stabilization is important in managing children with polytrauma and open fractures to protect soft tissues, reduce pain and facilitate rehabilitation.

Description:

Epidemiology:

Clinical Findings:

Imaging Studies:

Treatment:

Complications:

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References:

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