Damage control and austere environment external fixation: techniques for the civilian provider

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Trauma management

Background:

• Combat and natural disaster injuries are often high-energy, open extremity wounds.
• These injuries are frequently part of polytrauma and managed initially in austere environments.
• Standard Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and wound management principles apply but require adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and techniques of damage control orthopaedics.
• To discuss external fixation in managing extremity trauma from combat and natural disasters.

Main Methods:

• Review of principles and techniques for damage control orthopaedics.
• Discussion of external fixation in austere environments.

Main Results:

• Damage control orthopaedics and external fixation are key for initial management.
• Adaptations to standard practices are necessary in austere settings.

Conclusions:

• Damage control orthopaedics and external fixation are vital for extremity trauma in combat and disaster settings.
• Understanding specialized techniques is crucial for effective management.