damage control orthopedics
Also written as: DCO — damage control orthopedics
Staged surgical approach prioritizing life-saving interventions over definitive fracture repair in polytrauma patients.
Full Definition
A surgical philosophy applied to severely injured patients where initial orthopedic interventions focus on rapid stabilization to prevent life-threatening complications rather than definitive fracture repair. The approach involves temporary external fixation or minimal internal fixation to control hemorrhage, prevent further soft tissue damage, and facilitate patient stabilization. Definitive reconstruction is delayed until the patient's physiological status improves, typically measured by resolution of acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy.
Usage
Usage note: DCO acceptable as abbreviation; emphasize staged approach in documentation.
In Context
- "Damage control orthopedics with external fixation was chosen given the patient's unstable condition." — Orthopedic operative note
- "The principles of damage control orthopedics guided our staged treatment approach." — Multidisciplinary team meeting