Akuttraume

Akuttraume, or acute trauma, refers to sudden physical injuries caused by external force that often require rapid assessment and intervention. It can affect the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, and may involve multiple organ systems. The primary goal is to stabilize the patient, control bleeding, prevent secondary injury, and enable definitive treatment.

Prehospital care and initial hospital management follow structured protocols, most commonly the ATLS framework: Airway with cervical spine protection if indicated, Breathing, Circulation with rapid hemorrhage control, Disability (neurologic status), and Exposure to examine for injuries. After stabilization, a secondary survey assesses all injuries and missing injuries. Imaging commonly includes focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), radiographs, and computed tomography as indicated. Triage prioritizes life-threatening injuries to operative or interventional care; all patients are assigned to appropriate trauma centers based on severity and resources.

Injury patterns vary by mechanism: blunt trauma from falls or vehicle crashes, and penetrating trauma from stabbings or shootings. Management may involve surgical or nonoperative approaches, blood product resuscitation, analgesia, antibiotics when indicated, and tetanus prophylaxis. Complications include hemorrhagic shock, traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, pulmonary contusions, intra-abdominal injuries, and delayed organ dysfunction or infections.

Prognosis depends on injury severity, physiologic derangement, age and comorbidities, and time to definitive care. Effective trauma systems, rapid prehospital care, skilled acute care teams, and accurate registries contribute to improved outcomes and informed prevention strategies.