A polytrauma is defined as several injuries that occur simultaneously and lead to a life-threatening situation. In most cases, a serious accident is the cause of a polytrauma. In the event of a polytrauma, the patient must be stabilized and treated immediately.
Here you will find further information and selected polytrauma specialists and centers.
The term polytrauma (poly = many, numerous; trauma = injury) translates from Greek as "multiple injury". A polytrauma is a collective term for several injuries suffered at the same time. At least one or more of the injuries in combination represent a life-threatening situation.
The trauma register of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) reports almost 40,000 polytraumas (= life-threatening injuries) per year. Several thousand traffic fatalities are counted each year.
The following scenarios often lead to polytrauma:
In most cases, serious traffic accidents are responsible for polytrauma, as very strong forces are at work here: for example, when several vehicles collide or passengers are thrown out of the vehicle. However, motorcyclists and cyclists are also victims of serious traffic accidents with above-average frequency and often suffer life-threatening or fatal injuries to several organ systems.
Accidents at work are just as likely to cause polytrauma as accidents involving older people, for example in the home. If an elderly person falls, they can more easily suffer both broken bones and internal injuries.
Suicide attempts, where people throw themselves out of windows or off bridges, can also lead to polytrauma. The impact not only destroys bone structures, but also damages internal organs. These falls are often fatal.
Sports injuries are also among the causes of polytrauma. For example, if an ice hockey player is hit hard on the head by a puck, there may be visible damage to the head as well as injury to the brain or skull bones. This is also referred to as a polytrauma.
Some accident victims suffer such severe polytrauma that they have to be transported away by helicopter © Spidi1981 | AdobeStock
There are injuries whose severity can sometimes be recognized by a layperson, for example in the case of
Many serious accidents also result in amputation injuries. This means that a part of the body is severed. The extremities, i.e. arms and legs, are often affected. These can also be partially amputated and still be connected to the trunk by a more or less large tissue bridge. If the injury is severe, however, the affected limb can usually no longer be preserved and must be surgically removed.
The patient is then often unresponsive and there is significant blood loss. These are all typical signs of a serious illness and can indicate a life-threatening polytrauma.
The medics called to the scene will be able to determine a polytrauma at the scene of the accident and react accordingly. For example, vital functions such as
are checked. Physical examinations can also provide initial indications.
In hospital, imaging procedures can also provide further information about the severity of the injuries. Often
to detect possible internal injuries. Computer tomography can also be used.
In most hospitals, a so-called"polytrauma CT" can now be carried out directly in the emergency room. This is particularly indicated for internal injuries, cerebral haemorrhages or severe bone fractures and can show all injuries and sources of bleeding from head to toe within a few minutes. In the case of polytrauma, this examination can save the patient's life.
The following procedure is generally used for polytrauma:
In the event of a serious accident, the initial focus is on emergency treatment directly at the scene of the accident. It is crucial to stabilize circulation and breathing. In the case of serious wounds, the first aider or emergency doctor must also stop the bleeding to prevent excessive blood loss.
The aim of this initial treatment is to stabilize the injured person at the scene of the accident so that they can be taken to hospital. In some cases, the patient is admitted directly to a special trauma center. This is a hospital that specializes in serious accident-related illnesses. In normal hospitals, however, a so-called shock room is available. Polytrauma patients are often transported by air in a helicopter to ensure adequate treatment as quickly as possible.
Initial treatment takes place in the emergency room or intensive care unit. In some cases, the patient must also be taken directly to the operating theater. This is necessary in cases of severe bleeding, for example, in order to prevent the patient from bleeding to death.
Doctors from various specialties are brought together in the hospital, such as
to provide the patient with the best possible further care.
The doctors then not only assess the extent of the polytrauma, but can also perform life-saving operations immediately. These have top priority.
If, for example
these are treated immediately.
After these life-saving operations, any other injuries suffered by the patient are treated. These may be normal bone fractures or damage to
are involved. However, these injuries are not usually life-threatening. This is why these operations are only carried out when the patient is stable and out of danger.
In the further course of treatment, much depends on the healing process. This can vary greatly from patient to patient. After a severe polytrauma, many patients have to stay in hospital for several weeks or even months. However, as hospitals primarily treat emergencies and serious illnesses, patients may be transferred to a "rehabilitation clinic" after hospital treatment if necessary.
This is necessary, for example, if severe bone fractures have occurred and the ability to walk is restricted. In a rehabilitation clinic, the patient can train precisely this again and return to an independent everyday life under physiotherapeutic guidance. Rehabilitation treatment is also useful and necessary after severe brain or spinal cord injuries.
The prognosis for a polytrauma always depends on the severity of the injuries and the recovery process. In some cases, the injuries heal without consequences. Other patients, however, have to live permanently with the consequences - or even with a disability.
Even if permanent restrictions are to be expected, it is worth every effort and motivation to return to the original condition before the accident. For this reason, psychological support (e.g. in the form of behavioral therapy) is recommended for many patients after a polytrauma, especially younger working people. The majority of patients benefit from this treatment and can find new courage to face life.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
