Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Trauma Care

Orthopaedic trauma care has not differed from other aspects of medicine or surgery with respect to its pedagogical history. Until recently, its foundations were “eminence-based,” that is, founded upon the experiences, insights, and judgments of those that have gone before and weighted by the station and stature of the professor. While there remains significant value in the anecdotal teachings of the past, another option now exists and has been widely accepted as the new standard and preferred model. “Evidence-based” care has been chosen based on its emphasis on truth and validity while trying to identify and subsequently limit sources of bias. To better appreciate and facilitate the practice of evidence-based orthopaedic trauma care, this chapter endeavors to explore its origins, present state, approach, challenges, strategies, and a successful model for ongoing contribution as it applies to trauma care.