Recent developments in the assessment of the multiply injured trauma patient

To provide an update on the recent developments and controversies in the assessment of the traumatically injured patient.

Recent literature suggests that: whole-body computed tomography (CT) is an effective strategy in more severely injured blunt trauma patients; 64-slice CT scanning now provides an effective noninvasive screening method for blunt cerebrovascular injury; the need for MRI imaging, in addition to CT, for the diagnosis of occult ligamentous injury of the cervical spine remains an unresolved controversy; point-of-care testing has made significant improvements in our ability to predict which patients will need a massive transfusion; and thromboelastography has enhanced our ability to tailor a hemostatic resuscitation more accurately.

The recent advances in the assessment of the multiply injured patient allow clinicians to more efficiently diagnose a patient's injuries and implement treatment in a more timely manner.