[Mechanism of injury--trauma kinetics. What happend? How?].

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the mechanism of injuries represents a key element in blunt and penetrating trauma management.

METHOD

Systematic review of the main types of the modem trauma mechanisms, using Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase databases.

RESULTS

To properly understand the road car accident injuries, trauma surgeon should know as many details from the scene: the speed of cars, impact direction, if the car rolled over, if occupants were restrained, if airbags exploded, vehicle telemetry, extrication time. Motorcyclists are 20 to 30 times more at risk for severe injuries or death than the four-wheel vehicle occupants. Current evidence shows a significant decrease in injuries severity by increasing use of seat-belts, motorcycle helmets, childrestrains and speed limit. Despite this, few countries around the world have road safety laws relating to key factors that can be considered sufficiently comprehensive in scope. Many modern trauma systems use for prehospital triage mechanism of injury criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The trauma surgeon should know the mechanism of injury. This allows a high suspicion for potential injuries, their early diagnosis and increased quality in the care of trauma patients.