[Radiological management of patients with multiple trauma: history and current practice]

Abstract

The radiologist plays a crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with multiple trauma. In the last few decades, technological advances and changes in the healthcare culture have led to changes in the imaging work-up of multiple trauma patients, with emphasis shifting from plain-film radiography to whole-body multidetector CT. This article describes the evolution of the different protocols and the current practice in the management of patients with multiple trauma. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the radiologist must decide on the best imaging technique and protocol for each situation in function of the technological resources available.