Citation

Buckman RF, Buckman PD. Surg. Clin. North Am. 1991; 71(2): 331-344.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2003254

Abstract

A highly complex interaction of several physical and biomechanical factors determines the patterns of injury and probability of survival in free falls. Falls from extreme heights result in massive visceral and vascular injuries, which are usually lethal. Urban falls tend to result in severe lower extremity, spinal, and pelvic fractures. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage is a significant cause of death and is best managed by emergency angiography and embolization. Early fixation of fractures reduces morbidity.

Language: en