The multiply injured child

Abstract

Trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Fractures are rarely the cause of mortality in multiply injured children but contribute significantly to morbidity. Regardless of the mechanism causing the multiple injuries, the initial medical management focuses on the life-threatening, non-orthopedic injuries to stabilize the child’s condition. Subsequent optimal treatment of orthopedic injuries, in a timely fashion, decreases the burden of musculoskeletal disability.