Errors in polytrauma

Abstract

In the managing of traumatized patients, and even more so in dealing with normal dynamic diagnostics, an error can increase the rate of mortality and morbidity. While procedural or clinical-diagnostic errors are more frequent in medical facilities that are not dedicated to trauma, they can involve patients in highly specialized trauma centers as well. The occurrence of these errors, in a wider sense, can be explained by the different dynamics in relation to the seriousness of the trauma (minor or major). Most diagnostic errors (downgrading of an injury) in radiology occur using traditional imaging studies, i.e., plain films and ultrasound, because of their intrinsic low resolution and/or limited field of view. On the other hand, the use of MDCT in trauma patients requires the adoption of tailored protocols and skill to highlight subtle or even minimal signs of injuries, especially in the subclinical status [1].