Q-15 · Damage Control Orthopedics · trauma · A–E keys

A borderline polytrauma patient has a femoral shaft fracture, an evolving chest injury, and a climbing lactate. Isolated-femur “early total care” energy in the room is high. The DCO move is:

• A.Reamed antegrade nailing now so the femur is “done”
• B.Spanning external fixation tonight; convert when physiology and soft tissues allow
• C.Skin traction for a week with no skeletal stability
• D.Bilateral retrograde nails to save time