Pre-hospital treatment of traumatic rhabdomyolysis

Described as the pathological breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue in response to major injury, traumatic rhabdomyolysis iwas first recorded, during the second world war, a far greater understanding of its pathology has informed pre-hospital assessment and management of the condition. This article describes the aetiology of the condition and explores associated complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, hyperkalaemia, acute renal failure and compartment syndrome resulting from prolonged limb entrapment. The article also reviews the literature about management of the condition for hospital and out-of-hospital settings.