Management of the burned trauma patient: balancing conflicting priorities

Approximately 5% of multiple trauma patients sustain concomitant burns. Complicated management issues arise in these patients as burn and trauma care often conflict. This study reviews 53 consecutive burned multiple trauma patients in order to examine common management conflicts and recommend appropriate compromises in caring for these difficult patients.

A retrospective review of 53 consecutive burn patients with coincident trauma admitted to The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) from 1993-2001 was performed.

In the study period, 53 patients were admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital with concomitant burns and trauma. Of this group, 42 (79%) were male. Average age was 31.5 +/- 15.0. Mechanisms included 11 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 10 explosions, 10 electrocutions with subsequent falls, nine house fires, four motorcycle collisions (MCC), three pedestrian versus car accidents, two falls into fires, two plane crashes, and one each of a lawnmower accident and a patient drawn into a machine. Average burn size was 25.4% +/- 22.4. The most common traumatic injury was fracture (52). Management of fractures in burn patients and resuscitation in head injured burn patient represented the most common conflicts in patient care. There were five deaths (9.4%) in this series.

Burns are a rare but significant complication in the trauma patient. Outcomes are dependent on rapid trauma evaluation as well as effective resuscitation and wound management. Given the complexities of their problems, these patients necessitate a balanced multidisciplinary approach to maximize their potential for full recovery. Thoughtful compromise between trauma and burn priorities is frequently necessary.