There currently is a clear tendency to an increasing number of accidental injuries in elderly people, in sport injuries and car crashes also in countries which recently joined the European Union and candidates to join the European Union. Patients expect very good functional results even after serious injuries. But in contrast to this development, Trauma Surgery as an independent field, is not yet established in all European countries. Therefore, it seems mandatory to compile a book that covers the state-of-the-art in Trauma Surgery. The book also serves to harmonise the practice of Trauma Surgery within the European Union, and to prepare for the exam of the U.E.M.S.

Professor Hans-Joerg Oestern, Head of the Dept. for Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, General Hospital Celle. Undergrade studies in Bonn and Vienna. From 1972 - 1979 Residency General Surgery and Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School, in 1980 Habilitation. From 1978-1985 Senior Registrar and Vicedirector of Trauma Department of Hannover Medical School (Prof. Tscherne). Since 1985 Chief of Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery in Celle (Teaching Hospital of Hanover Medical School).

Professor Otmar Trentz, Head University Hospital for Trauma Surgery, Zurich. Undergrade studies in Cologne and Wuerzburg, postgraduate studies in Wuerzburg and Hanover. in 1980 he became head of the Hospital for Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery of the Krankenhaus Nordstadt in Hanover. In 1983 he was appointed to a professorship of the University Saarland and Director, Dept. Trauma Surgery of the University Hospital Homburg/Saar. Since 1990 Professor Trentz is head of the Dept. Trauma Surgery at the Medical Fakulty of the University Zurich.