Recent developments in the assessment of the multiply injured trauma patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on the recent developments and controversies in the assessment of the traumatically injured patient. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature suggests that: whole-body computed tomography (CT) is an effective strategy in more severely injured blunt trauma patients; 64-slice CT scanning now provides an effective noninvasive screening method for blunt cerebrovascular injury; the need for MRI imaging, in addition to CT, for the diagnosis of occult ligamentous injury of the cervical spine remains an unresolved controversy; point-of-care testing has made significant improvements in our ability to predict which patients will need a massive transfusion; and thromboelastography has enhanced our ability to tailor a hemostatic resuscitation more accurately. SUMMARY: The recent advances in the assessment of the multiply injured patient allow clinicians to more efficiently diagnose a patient's injuries and implement treatment in a more timely manner.