Damage control in thoracic and lumbar unstable fractures in polytrauma. Systematic review

The objective of this systematic review was to integrate the information from existing studies to determine the level of evidence and grade of recommendation of the implementation of damage control in unstable thoracic and lumbar fractures in polytraumatized patients. Eighteen papers were collected from different databases by keywords and Mesh terms; the level of evidence and grade of recommendation, the characteristics of the participants, the time of fracture fixation, the type of approach and technique used, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the days of dependence on mechanical ventilator, and the incidence of complications in patients were assessed. The largest proportion of the studies were classified as level 4 evidence and grade C of recommendation which is favorable to the implementation of damage control in unstable thoracic and lumbar fractures in polytraumatized patients as a positive recommendation, although not conclusive. Most papers advocate fracture stabilization within 72 hours of the injury which is associated with a lower incidence of complications, hospital stay, stay in the intensive care unit and lower mortality.