Book excerpt: This textbook is a fully updated and revised third edition of a highly successful practical guide to the care of the polytrauma patient. Broadening its readership to students, this new edition comprehensively describes the clinical course of multiple and severe injuries, from the accident scene to rehabilitation. It provides essential practical information on the care of patients both with blunt and penetrating trauma to multiple body regions, and discusses the management of truncal injuries (head, chest, abdomen) as well as fractures of the extremities, pelvis and spine. Further, the book highlights associated injuries that may alter decisions concerning patients with polytrauma. This new, revised edition takes full account of recent developments, including the increasing economic pressure on health care systems, prehospital treatment, changes in trauma systems and related education, and the improved survival of polytrauma patients. Also covering improved monitoring options along with issues in late patient outcomes and rehabilitation this work will greatly assist students, emergency personnel, trauma surgeons, orthopaedic traumatologists, and anesthesiologists.