CLASSIFICATION OF PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES - WHAT IS ESTABLISHED

Among the numerous scores available for the quantitative evaluation of injury severity, only few have proved themselves effective in clinica l practice. The ''Revised Trauma Score'' - based on physiological vari ables - is the most widespread in preclinical use. The ''Injury Severi ty Score'' - based on anatomical data - is the most accepted for defin ed indices. However, a combination of the two, known as the ''Trauma a nd Injury Severity Score (TRISS)'', represents an international standa rd for quality control. Recent experience with TRISS in central Europe has shown that an increasing number of patients cannot be registered due to missing data. One reason for this is the intense preclinical tr eatment and its, influence on physiological variables. The practicabil ity of this method for quality control - combined with additional effo rts - must be questioned in Germany. A score system based, for example , on the obligatory score of the ''International Classification of Dis eases'', might be a good alternative with less effort required for eac h patient. Further investigations are necessary, however, before any f inal decisions are made.