Initial Imaging of the Trauma Patient
摘要
Imaging plays a critical role in the initial evaluation of the trauma patient and helps to inform management decisions. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of imaging in the trauma bay as an adjunct to our primary and secondary surveys and its use in cavitary triage. We will outline the use of chest radiography and ultrasound to assess for life-threatening injuries to the mediastinum and thorax including hemothorax, pneumothorax, and pericardial effusion. We will then briefly describe the utility of the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) to assess the abdomen for hemorrhage or hollow viscus injury. Then, we will outline the use of ultrasonography and plain film radiography to assess the pelvis for evidence of an unstable pelvis that can lead to hemodynamic instability. Finally, we will discuss the use of cross-sectional imaging for identification of specific traumatic injuries in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and spine.