SURGERY TIMING IS IMPORTANT AFTER SERIOUS INJURIES

Some car accidents can lead to multiple fractures that one would think would need hours in the operating room. A bad workers' compensation injury can also result in serious conditions which may require hours of operations. However, a review article published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) explains that trauma patients who have several orthopaedic injuries and are considered to be in unstable condition should only have a few hours of surgery when first arriving at the hospital.

According to the article, the benefits of initially limiting time in the operating room for patients with life-threatening injuries include:

1. Less blood loss during surgery;
   
   
2. Fewer complications in the intensive care unit;
   
   
3. Less stimulation to the immune system; and
   
   
4. Higher patient survival rates.

According to the lead author, too many surgeries and blood loss can weaken the immune system and can lead to a higher likelihood of experiencing complications after surgery. The article argues that in trauma patients with life-threatening injuries, it often is best to use an external fixator (where pins in the bone are connected by an external bar) to stabilize an orthopaedic injury to stop initial pain and bleeding. Only later, once the patient is stable, should the surgeons begin other more invasive and time-consuming operations.

So, don't be surprised if you read that someone seriously injured in an automobile accident, motorcycle crash or workers' compensation case only had a few hours of surgery initially. Likely, they would be going in for more after they become stable.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Florida car accident, motorcycle crash, workers' compensation injury or other personal injury matter, it is recommended that you talk with a personal injury lawyer before talking with the insurance companies. Remember, insurance companies have attorneys looking out for their best interest--so should you! Click here for a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. With offices throughout Tampa Bay, Attorney Noyes can accommodate your needs.

For more articles that could save your life or the life of a loved one, read and post on Personal Injury Matthew Noyes' web blog, Noyes Legal News--Helpful Information About Florida Car Accidents and Workers' Compensation Claims.