Modifications in the treatment of the multiple injury patient

When burns complicate the management of an otherwise severely injured patient, modifications in treatment must be undertaken for both problems. The unique situation of this type of patient often requires the use of multiple therapeutic interventions which may differ from the usual. The use of controlled hypotension and aggressive surgical burn management was successful in allowing the postponement of vascular surgery in a young male patient with a traumatic aortic disruption and extensive burns resulting from a 60-foot fall and severe thermal burns.