[Diagnosis and immediate therapeutic management of limb injuries. A systematic review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE

Limb injuries are often underestimated in the diagnostic procedures initiated in the resuscitation room. Missed diagnosis is therefore a frequent consequence in this issue. A systematic analysis of evidence-based procedures was therefore investigated in this paper.

METHODS

Clinical trials were systematically collected (Medline, Cochrane and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system).

RESULTS

Following admission of a multiple trauma patient vital functions have to be established in first priority. After stabilization a systematic clinical investigation and consecutive specific radiological procedures should rule out extremity injuries. These are the only evidence-based criteria leading to a complete detection of all limb injuries. All other aspects are only based on clinical experience or the opinion of expert committees.

CONCLUSION

The quality of shock room management is mostly dependent on the experience of the " trauma team" (and especially of the trauma leader). Guidelines and specific trauma algorithms can provide a helpful instrument in this issue.