Earthquake-Related Trauma and Injury Management

Earthquakes produce a distinct spectrum of injuries ranging from simple soft‐tissue wounds to complex musculoskeletal traumas and crush syndrome. The sudden collapse of structures typically leads to a high proportion of limb fractures, often involving the lower extremities, and a significant burden of polytrauma. Effective management requires rapid triage, stabilisation of airway, breathing and circulation, and early surgical intervention to address open fractures, compartment syndromes and tissue contamination. Debridement and fasciotomy are critical procedures to prevent infection and limb loss. In parallel, fluid resuscitation and renal support mitigate systemic complications associated with crush injuries. Coordinated deployment of multidisciplinary teams—including orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists and nursing staff—is essential to optimise outcomes, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Rehabilitation and mental health support further contribute to long‐term functional recovery. Advances in prehospital care, mobile imaging and telemedicine have strengthened global preparedness, enabling more effective deployment of personnel and supplies in the immediate aftermath.

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Earthquake-Related Trauma and Injury Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in earthquake-related trauma and injury management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Crush syndrome: A systemic condition caused by muscle breakdown and release of intracellular contents following prolonged compression, leading to acute kidney injury and metabolic disturbances.

Debridement: The surgical removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue to promote wound healing and prevent infection.

Fasciotomy: A surgical incision through fascia to relieve compartment pressure in limbs, preventing ischaemia and tissue necrosis.

Comminuted fracture: A bone fracture in which the bone is splintered or crushed into multiple fragments, often requiring complex reconstruction.

References

1. A review of the epidemiology and treatment of orthopaedic injuries after earthquakes in developing countries. World Journal of Emergency Surgery (2017).
2. Natural Disasters and Injuries: What Does a Surgeon Need to Know?. Current Trauma Reports (2018).
3. Multiple injuries after earthquakes: a retrospective analysis on 1,871 injured patients from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Critical Care (2012).
4. The 2023 Turkey Earthquake: Management of 627 Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries in the First Month. Children (2023).