Table 3. Classification of the polytraumatized patient.
| Parameters | Stable | Limit | Unstable | In extremis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypovolemic state | Blood pressure (mmHg) | > 100 | 80-100 | 60-90 | <50-60 |
| Units of blood | 0-2 | 3-8 | 5-15 | > 15 | |
| Lactate level | Normal | 2.5 | > 2.5 | Severe acidosis | |
| Base deficit | Normal | No data | No data | > 6-8 | |
| ATLS | I | II-III | III-IV | IV | |
| Coagulation | Platelets | > 110,000 | 90,000-110,000 | 70,000-90,000 | <70,000 |
| Facto II, V (%) | > 1 | 70-80 | 50-70 | <50 | |
| Fibrinogen | Normal | 1.0 | <1 (abnormal) | Coagulopathy | |
| Temperature | Degree centigrade (° C) | > 34 | 33-35 | 30-32 | <30 |
| Soft tissue injury | Pulmonary function*** | 350-400 | 300 - 350 | 200-300 | <200 |
| Chest trauma (AIS) | I or II | > II | > II | > III | |
| Pelvic fracture classification | Type A fracture: Stable | Type B fractures: unstable | Type C fracture: Unstable | Type C fracture: Unstable | |
| Surgical strategy | Damage control | No | ± | Yes | Yes |
| Definitive surgery | Yes | ± | No | No |
Stable patients and some in a borderline state are generally able to perform damage control with definitive early stabilization of all their fractures