Priorities in the management of polytraumatised patients with head injury: partially resolved problems

The results of a retrospective analysis of a series of 73 polytraumatised patients with severe head injuries are presented. The neurological outcome has been less favourable in cases with early osteosynthesis of peripheral fractures compared to cases in which such operations had been delayed. Therefore it seems advisable to postpone the non-vital operative treatment of osteoarticular lesions until stabilisation of the cerebral and vegetative situation.