Limb Salvage vs Amputation in Mangled Extremities
Author Information
Author(s): Anastasios Korompilias, Alexandros Beris, Marios G Lykissas, Marios D Vekris, Vasileios A Kontogeorgakos, Panayiotis N Soucacos
Primary Institution: University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
Hypothesis
Can predictive scoring systems help determine the need for amputation in patients with mangled extremities?
Conclusion
The decision to salvage or amputate a mangled extremity should be based on a combination of clinical judgment and scoring systems, as both approaches have significant implications for patient outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 63 patients with high energy extremity trauma were reviewed.
- 84% of patients ended the postoperative course without major complications.
- Three patients died postoperatively due to complications.
- Seven patients required secondary amputation within 15 days after attempted salvage.
Takeaway
Doctors have to decide whether to save or remove a badly injured arm or leg, and they use special scores to help make that choice.
Methodology
Retrospective review of 63 patients with high energy extremity trauma and attempts at limb salvage over a 9-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in decision-making based on surgeon's experience and subjective judgment.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and relies on scoring systems that may not be accurate in all cases.
Participant Demographics
63 patients, ages 8 to 75, with a mean age of 27; predominantly male.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website