polytrauma
Pronunciation: pol-ee-TRAW-ma
Multiple traumatic injuries affecting several body systems or anatomical regions simultaneously.
Full Definition
Polytrauma refers to multiple traumatic injuries occurring simultaneously and affecting multiple organ systems or anatomical regions, typically resulting from high-energy mechanisms such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from height. These patients often present with life-threatening injuries requiring prioritized, multidisciplinary care. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) is commonly used to quantify injury severity, with scores greater than 15 typically defining major trauma. Management follows trauma protocols with primary and secondary surveys, and treatment decisions must consider the patient's overall physiological status and injury priorities.
Usage
Usage note: Implies severity and complexity requiring coordinated multidisciplinary care.
In Context
- "The polytrauma patient required staged surgical management of multiple injuries." — Trauma team consultation
- "Given the polytrauma presentation, orthopedic injuries were managed after hemodynamic stabilization." — Trauma surgery note