1) Why was this study conducted?

In Orthopedics, damage control is indicated in patients with pelvic and/or long bone fractures associated with hemodynamic instability. It is not appropriate to perform a complex definitive reduction and fixation surgery for severely injured trauma patients with hemodynamic instability. In these cases, it is recommended to perform minimally invasive procedures which provide temporary stabilization of the fractures and bleeding control.

2) What were the most relevant results of the study?

Closed or open fractures of the long bones such as femur, tibia, humerus, and pelvis can lead to hemodynamic instability and shock, thus, orthopedic damage control becomes a priority. However, if the patient is hemodynamically stable it is recommended to stabilize all fractures with an early permanent internal fixation.

3) What do these results contribute?

Orthopedic damage control is based on early physiological stabilization and temporary maneuvers such as external fixators and damage control resuscitation. This strategy is indicated in hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with long bone fractures, unstable pelvic fractures and/or massive hemorrhage.