In the period 1986-1990, 16,307 patients were injured in road traffic accidents in the city of Odense, Denmark. 251 had multiple injuries according to the definition: AIS > or = 3 in at least two body regions. Overall mortality was 41%, while the mortality in hospital was 20%. 19 patients died within the first 24 hours after admission mainly due to brain damage, while 18 patients died later than 24 hours mainly from complications. These patients also had a higher average age (55 years) than the rest (34 years). The median Injury Sverity Score (ISS) was 26 for the whole series, and 19 for survivors. Median ISS was 59 for patients who were dead on arrival, whereafter it fell to 43 for patients who died within the first 24 hours after admission, with a further decrease to 29 for patients who died after 24 hours. 50% of all serious injuries were located in the thorax, 27% in the brain and 22% in the abdomen. The litterature on the subject is reviewed.
