ABSTRACT
Management of fractures in patients with multiple traumatic injuries occurs within the
context of the American College of Surgeon’s Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
algorithm (1). The physician who initially evaluates the patient seeks to identify life-
threatening conditions and begins prompt resuscitation. Research has demonstrated a
hierarchy of potentially lethal conditions beginning with airway problems and extend-
ing to life-threatening thoracic conditions, hypovolemia, and intracranial injuries.
Definitive fracture management is considered after addressing these life-threatening
conditions.
