The Mangled Extremity Severity Score Fails to be a Good Predictor for Secondary Limb Amputation After Trauma with Vascular Injury in Central Europe

Background

The Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was constructed as an objective quantification criterion for limb trauma. A MESS of or greater than 7 was proposed as a cut-off point for primary limb amputation. Opinions concerning the predictive value of the MESS vary broadly in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the MESS in a contemporary civilian Central European cohort.

Methods

All patients treated for extremity injuries with arterial reconstruction at two centres between January 2005 and December 2014 were assessed. The MESS and the amputation rate were determined.

Results

Seventy-one patients met the inclusion criteria and could be evaluated for trauma mechanism and injury patterns. The mean MESS was 4.97 (CI 4.4–5.6). Seventy-three per cent of all patients (52/71) had a MESS < 7 and 27% (19/71) of ≥7. Eight patients (11%) underwent secondary amputation. Patients with a MESS ≥ 7 showed a higher, but statistically not significant secondary amputation rate (21.1%; 4/19) than those with a MESS < 7 (7.7%; 4/52; p = 0.20). The area under the ROC curve was 0.57 (95% CI 0.41; 0.73).

Conclusions

Based on these results, the MESS appears to be an inappropriate predictor for amputation in civilian settings in Central Europe possibly due to therapeutic advances in the treatment of orthopaedic, vascular, neurologic and soft-tissue traumas.

     

Popliteal artery injuries in an urban trauma center with a rural catchment area: do delays in definitive treatment affect amputation?

Extended length of time from injury to definitive vascular repair is considered to be a predictor of amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. In an urban trauma center with a rural catchment area, logistical issues frequently result in treatment delays, which may affect limb salvage after vascular trauma. We examined how known risk factors for amputation after popliteal trauma are affected in a more rural environment, where patients often experience delays in definitive surgical treatment. All adult patients admitted to the Level I trauma center, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, with a popliteal artery injury between January 2000 and December of 2007 were identified. Demographic information management and outcome data were collected. Body mass index, mangled extremity severity score (MESS), Guistilo open fracture score, injury severity score, and time from injury to vascular repair were examined. Fifty-one patients with popliteal artery injuries (53% blunt and 47% penetrating) were identified, all undergoing operative repair. There were nine amputations (17.6%) and one death. Patients requiring amputation had a higher MESS, 7.8 versus 5.3 (P < 0.01), and length of stay, 43 versus 15 days (P < 0.01), compared with those with successful limb salvage. Body mass index, injury severity score, Guistilo open fracture score, or time from injury to repair were not different between the two groups. Patients with a blunt mechanism of injury had a slightly higher amputation rate compared with those with penetrating trauma, 25.9 per cent versus 8.3 per cent (P = non significant). MESS, though not perfect, is the best predictor of amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. Morbid obesity is not a significant predictor for amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. Time from injury to repair of greater than 6 hours was not predictive of amputation. This study further demonstrates that a single scoring system should be used with caution when determining the need for lower extremity amputation.     

Popliteal artery trauma. Systemic anticoagulation and intraoperative thrombolysis improves limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate those factors associated with popliteal artery injury that influence amputation, with emphasis placed on those that the surgeon can control. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Generally accepted factors impacting amputation after popliteal artery injury include blunt trauma, prolonged ischemic times, musculoskeletal injuries, and venous disruption. Amputation ultimately results from microvascular thrombosis and subsequent tissue necrosis, predisposed by the paucity of collaterals around the knee. METHODS: Patients with popliteal artery injuries over the 10-year period ending November 1995 were identified from the trauma registry. Preoperative (demographics, mechanism and severity of injury, vascular examination, ischemic times) and operative (methods of arterial repair, venous repair-ligation, anticoagulation-thrombolytic therapy, fasciotomy) variables were studied. Severity of extremity injury was quantitated by the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS). Amputations were classified as primary (no attempt at vascular repair) or secondary (after vascular repair). After univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for limb loss. RESULTS: One hundred two patients were identified; 88 (86%) were males and 14 (14%) were females. Forty injuries resulted from blunt and 62 from penetrating trauma. There were 25 amputations (25%; 11 primary and 14 secondary). Patients with totally ischemic extremities (no palpable or Doppler pulse) more likely were to be amputated (31% vs. 13%; p < 0.04). All requiring primary amputations had severe soft tissue injury and three had posterior tibial nerve transection; the average MESS was 7.6. Logistic regression analysis identified independent factors associated with secondary amputation: blunt injury (p = 0.06), vein injury (p = 0.06), MESS (p = 0.0001), heparin-urokinase therapy (p = 0.05). There were no complications with either heparin or urokinase. CONCLUSIONS: Minimizing ischemia is an important factor in maximizing limb salvage. Severity of limb injury, as measured by the MESS, is highly predictive of amputation. Intraoperative use of systemic heparin or local urokinase or both was the only directly controllable factor associated with limb salvage. The authors recommend the use of these agents to maximize limb salvage in association with repair of popliteal artery injuries.     

Use of Ganga Hospital Open Injury Severity Scoring for determination of salvage versus amputation in open type IIIB injuries of lower limbs in children—An analysis of 52 type IIIB open fractures

Introduction and aimsOpen injuries in children are rare compared to adults. In children with major open injuries, there is no specific scoring system to guide when to amputate or salvage the limb. The use of available adult scoring systems may lead to errors in management. The role of Ganga Hospital Open Injury Severity Scoring (GHOISS) for open injuries in adults is well established and its applicability for pediatric open injuries has not been studied. This study was done to analyse the usefulness of GHOISS in pediatric open injuries and to compare it with MESS(Mangled Extremity Severity Score).MethodsAll children (0–18 years) who were admitted with Open type IIIB injuries of lower limbs between January 2008 and March 2015 were included. MESS and GHOISS were calculated for all the patients. There were 50 children with 52 type IIIB Open injuries of which 39 had open tibial fractures and 13 had open femur fractures.ResultsOut of 52 type IIIB open injuries, 48 were salvaged and 4 were amputated. A MESS score of 7 and above had sensitivity of 25% for amputation while GHOISS of 17 and above was found to be more accurate for determining amputation with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 93.75%.ConclusionGHOISS is a reliable predictor of injury severity in type IIIB open fractures in children and can be used as a guide for decision-making. The use of MESS score in children has a lower predictive value compared to GHOISS in deciding amputation versus salvage. A GHOISS of 17 or more has the highest sensitivity and specificity to predict amputation.     

Limb salvage versus amputation. Preliminary results of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score

Objective criteria can predict amputation after lower-extremity trauma. The authors examined the hypothesis that objective data, available early in the evaluation of patients with severe skeletal/soft-tissue injuries of the lower extremity with vascular compromise, might discriminate the salvageable from the unsalvageable limbs. The Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was developed by reviewing 25 trauma victims with 26 severe lower-extremity open fractures with vascular compromise. The four significant criteria (with increasing points for worsening prognosis) were skeletal/soft-tissue injury, limb ischemia, shock, and patient age. (There was a significant difference in the mean MESS scores; 4.88 in 17 limbs salvaged and 9.11 in nine limbs amputated; p less than 0.01). This scoring system was then prospectively evaluated in 26 lower-extremity open fractures with vascular injury over a 12-month period at two trauma centers. Again, there was a significant difference in the mean MESS scores; 4.00 for the 14 salvaged limbs and 8.83 for the 12 amputated limbs (p less than 0.01). In both the prospective and retrospective studies, a MESS score of greater than or equal to 7 had a 100% predictable value for amputation. This relatively simple, readily available scoring system of objective criteria was highly accurate in acutely discriminating between limbs that were salvageable and those that were unsalvageable and better managed by primary amputation.     

Reliability of the mangled extremity severity score in combat-related upper and lower extremity injuries

Background:Decision of limb salvage or amputation is generally aided with several trauma scoring systems such as the mangled extremity severity score (MESS). However, the reliability of the injury scores in the settling of open fractures due to explosives and missiles is challenging. Mortality and morbidity of the extremity trauma due to firearms are generally associated with time delay in revascularization, injury mechanism, anatomy of the injured site, associated injuries, age and the environmental circumstance. The purpose of the retrospective study was to evaluate the extent of extremity injuries due to ballistic missiles and to detect the reliability of mangled extremity severity score (MESS) in both upper and lower extremities.Results:Amputation was performed in 39 extremities and limb salvage attempted in 100 extremities. The mean followup time was 14.6 months (range 6–32 months). In the amputated group, the mean MESS scores for upper and lower extremity were 8.8 (range 6–11) and 9.24 (range 6–11), respectively. In the limb salvage group, the mean MESS scores for upper and lower extremities were 5.29 (range 4–7) and 5.19 (range 3–8), respectively. Sensitivity of MESS in upper and lower extremities were calculated as 80% and 79.4% and positive predictive values detected as 55.55% and 83.3%, respectively. Specificity of MESS score for upper and lower extremities was 84% and 86.6%; negative predictive values were calculated as 95.45% and 90.2%, respectively.Conclusion:MESS is not predictive in combat related extremity injuries especially if between a score of 6–8. Limb ischemia and presence or absence of shock can be used in initial decision-making for amputation.     

Objective criteria accurately predict amputation following lower extremity trauma

MESS (Mangled Extremity Severity Score) is a simple rating scale for lower extremity trauma, based on skeletal/soft-tissue damage, limb ischemia, shock, and age. Retrospective analysis of severe lower extremity injuries in 25 trauma victims demonstrated a significant difference between MESS values for 17 limbs ultimately salvaged (mean, 4.88 +/- 0.27) and nine requiring amputation (mean, 9.11 +/- 0.51) (p less than 0.01). A prospective trial of MESS in lower extremity injuries managed at two trauma centers again demonstrated a significant difference between MESS values of 14 salvaged (mean, 4.00 +/- 0.28) and 12 doomed (mean, 8.83 +/- 0.53) limbs (p less than 0.01). In both the retrospective survey and the prospective trial, a MESS value greater than or equal to 7 predicted amputation with 100% accuracy. MESS may be useful in selecting trauma victims whose irretrievably injured lower extremities warrant primary amputation.     

MESS评分在GustiloⅢb、Ⅲc型下肢损伤截肢与保肢治疗中的临床意义

[目的]探讨和评价损伤肢体严重程度评分(mangled extremity severity score,MESS)系统在Gustilo Ⅲb、Ⅲc型严重下肢损伤截肢与保肢治疗中的临床意义.[方法] 2007年10月～2011年2月,共收治严重下肢损伤患者65例68肢,男51肢,女17肢;年龄18 ～67岁,平均42.5岁.按照Gustilo和Anderson开放骨折的分类方法与MESS评分系统进行分类评分.对于MESS＜7分的GustiloⅢb、Ⅲc型下肢损伤给予Ⅰ期保肢手术;MESS≥7分的GustiloⅢb、Ⅲc型下肢损伤以截肢治疗为主,同时根据软组织和血管损伤情况、患者体质情况及保肢意愿,试行保肢治疗.[结果]本组MESS＜7分的病例中,GustiloⅢb型患肢均保肢成功,Gustilo Ⅲc型保肢成功率为60％.本组MESS≥7分的病例中,GustiloⅢb型Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期总截肢率为20％,GustiloⅢc型Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期总截肢率为82.76％,两者比较差异有统计学意义(x2=4.46,P＜0.05);GustiloⅢb型保肢成功率为92.31％,GustiloⅢc型保肢成功率为50％,两者比较差异有统计学意义(x2=5.26,P＜0.05).[结论]MESS评分系统对于GustiloⅢc型严重下肢损伤截肢或保肢治疗的决策较GustiloⅢb型损伤具有更强的临床指导意义,但不能作为判断截肢或保肢的唯一标准,还应结合患肢的热缺血时间、神经损伤情况、是否伴有严重的并发伤及患者年龄进行综合的分析评价.     

The effect of systemic injury score on the decision making of mangled lower extremities

PurposeMangled lower extremity with Mangled extremity severity score (MESS) more than 7 are considered unsalvageable. We are looking for a factor helps us predicting the salvage potential in the patient with MESS score between 7 and 9.Materials and methodsWe reviewed the patients with lower extremities open fracture type IIIB or IIIC and received salvaged procedure or amputation in CGMH between 2002/01 and 2010/09. The patients are subgroup according to their MESS score. ISS score, Gustilo open fracture classification were compared between patient with successful salvage and patient with delay amputation. Logistic regression and stepwise modeling were used to determine the effect of each covariate.Results242 patients were enrolled in the study. 33 patients had primary amputation, 160 patients had successfully salvaged limbs and 49 patients received delay amputation. Among patients with MESS score less than 7, 116 patients had successful salvage limbs and 7 patients received delay amputation. Among patient with MESS between 7 and 9, 44 patients discharged with salvaged limbs and 39 patients were failed to salvage their limbs. Successful salvaged patients in this group had significant lower ISS score in compare to delay amputated patients. Patients with ISS score more than 18 in this group has higher delay amputated rate (P value = 0.01).ConclusionSystemic injury severity score can help us tell potentially salvaged patient from potentially amputated patient. In patients with MESS score between 7 and 9 concurrently have ISS score less then 17 are potentially salvageable. Level of Evidence & Study Type: Level 3 Retrospective cohort study/prognostic study     

Major Amputation for Irresectable Extremity Melanoma After Failure of Isolated Limb Infusion

Introduction  Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option that delivers high-dose regional chemotherapy to treat metastatic melanoma confined to a limb. In some patients, however, locoregional disease does not respond to the treatment or extensive recurrence occurs so that an amputation may become inevitable. In this study we analyzed indications for and results of amputation in these cases. Methods  14 patients were identified in whom amputation of the affected limb had to be carried out after failure of ILI. Results  Following ILI, three patients had a complete response, seven had a partial response, two had stable disease and two patients had progressive disease. The median duration of response after ILI was 7 months (range 2–30). The median interval between ILI and amputation was 10 months. Amputation was performed in six of 20 patients who had been treated with an upper limb ILI, compared to eight amputations that were performed in 215 patients who had been treated with a lower limb ILI (P = .001). The indications for amputation were severe pain due to progression of tumor (n = 3), uncontrollable and troublesome tumor progression (n = 6) and bleeding from ulcerated lesions (n = 5). Five patients developed stump recurrence after amputation; these were treated by excision or radiation. Six of the eight patients who had a lower limb amputation became ambulant with the aid of prosthesis. Median survival after amputation was 13 months: three patients survived more than 5 years. Conclusions  Amputation following upper extremity ILI is more common compared to lower extremity ILI. Amputation may provide effective long-term palliation in selected patients when there is extensive inoperable progressive or recurrent disease after ILI.     

Critical evaluation of mangled extremity severity scoring system in Indian patients

Amputation of a mangled extremity is repugnant to the patient and the surgeon. However, prolonged unsuccessful attempts at salvage are costly, highly morbid and sometimes lethal. Much discussion has taken place regarding which criteria predict successful salvage, and predictive indices have been proposed in an attempt to identify limbs for which attempted salvage is unlikely to succeed. The mangled extremity severity score, or MESS system is the most thoroughly validated of the various classification systems, but at present there is no predictive scale that can be used with confidence to determine whether to amputate or attempt to salvage a mangled lower extremity. MESS system based on four significant criteria (with increasing points with worsening prognosis) i.e. skeletal injury, limb ischaemia, shock and patient age, has become a standard method to determine which one of the mangled extremities will eventually undergo amputation or salvage. Keeping in view the paucity of studies on Indian patients, a prospective trial of MESS was done in 50 patients who had 56 mangled extremities during the last 3 years. A significant difference between the MESS value of salvaged limbs (4.7) and amputated limbs (8.6) was found. MESS value of more than 7 was most specific and was found to have a positive predictive value of 100%. The results have been compared with Western literature and authors suggest that nerve injuries and irreparable soft tissue loss should be given an extra point each. In bilateral cases, the MESS value of each limb should be properly assessed (especially when patient is in shock), as the score may increase because of the other injured limb.     

Single centre experience of combat-related vascular injury in victims of Syrian conflict: Retrospective evaluation of risk factors associated with amputation

ObjectiveTo elucidate the risk factors associated with amputation in cases with combat-related vascular injury (CRVI).Material and methodsThis retrospective study included 90 cases with CRVI treated between May 2011 and July 2013. The patients were divided into group I (n = 69), in which the limb was salvaged and group II (n = 21), in which the patients received amputation.ResultsThe overall and the secondary amputation rates were 23% and 18%, respectively. There were no amputations with the MESS of nine or less, increasing proportions of amputations at 10 and 11, with a level of 12 leading to 100% amputation rate. The mortality rate was 2%. Among the 52 (58%) cases with the mangled extremity severity score (MESS) ≥ 7, the limb salvage rate was 60%. The patients in group II were more likely to have a combined artery and vein injury (p = 0.042). They were also more likely to be injured as a result of an explosion (p = 0.004). Along with the MESS (p < 0.001), the duration of ischemia (DoI) (p < 0.001) were higher in group II. The rate of bony fracture (p < 0.001) and wound infection (p = 0.011) were higher in group II. For the overall amputation, the odds ratio of the bony fracture (OR: 61.39, p = 0.011), nerve injury (OR: 136.23, p = 0.004), DoI (OR: 2.03, p = 0.003), vascular ligation (OR: 8.65, p = 0.040) and explosive device injury (OR: 10.8, p = 0.041) were significant. Although the DoI (p < 0.001) and the MESS (p = 0.004) were higher in whom a temporary vascular shunt (TVS) was applied, the utilisation of a TVS did not influence the amputation rate (p = 1.0).ConclusionsThe DoI and the variables indicating the extent of tissue disruption were the major determinants of amputation. While statistically non-significant, the benefit of the application of a TVS is non-negligible. MESS is a valid scoring system but should not be the sole foundation for deciding on amputation. Extremities which were doomed to amputation with the MESS >7 seem to benefit from revascularisation with initiation of reperfusion at once. The validity of MESS merits further investigation with regard to the determination of a new cut-off value under ever developing medical management strategies.     

Electrical burn is still a major risk factor for amputations

Many difficult decisions are faced in the early management of severely burned patient. The decision to amputate an extremity or extremities may be very difficult but reduce morbidity and enhance survival of the patient. In a total of 1144 patients from January 2000 and June 2011, there were 44 patients (3.8%) undergoing amputations of the digits or upper extremity proximal to the wrist or lower extremity above the ankle. Amputations were significantly higher in males and the mean hospitalization time was also significantly higher in these patients. Majority of the patients had non-viable tissue (79.5%) and nine patients (20.5%) had a septic focus as cause of amputation. The majority of amputations were caused by high-voltage electrical injury. Education and compliance with safety measures, as well as common sense and respect for the potential danger of electricity, are still essential for avoiding these injuries.     

Decreasing lower extremity junctional and perineal injury from explosive blast with a pelvic protection system

ObjectiveLower extremity junctional injuries due to explosive blasts are among the most lethal sustained on the battlefield. To help reduce the effects of junctional and perineal trauma from this injury mechanism, a tiered Pelvic Protection System (PPS) was fielded during the war in Afghanistan.MethodsThirty-six patients with known PPS status who sustained traumatic above knee amputations, with and without perineal injuries, were identified from an operative amputation registry in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, spanning a 12-month period.ResultsIn Group 1 patients with above knee amputations who wore some tier of the PPS system, 47% (8 of 17) sustained junctional/perineal injuries. Of the patients in Group 2 who wore no PPS, 68% (13 of 19) sustained perineal injuries associated with proximal amputations. Overall, these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0115).ConclusionUse of a PPS may reduce the risk of having severe perineal and lower extremity junctional injury in service members sustaining traumatic above knee amputations from an explosive blast.     

Prolonged use of intraluminal arterial shunts without systemic anticoagulation

BACKGROUND: Temporary arterial shunts maintain perfusion while surgeons postpone arterial repairs. The common indications are combined orthopedic and vascular injuries and damage control. The duration of patency and the need for systemic anticoagulation remain in question. We examined our experience for answers. METHODS: We searched for patients who had temporary arterial shunts and collected the following: mechanism, artery injured, shunt time, blood loss and transfusions, injury severity score (ISS,) mangled extremity severity score (MESS,) and anticoagulation. RESULTS: Of 19 patients, 10 had shunts for damage control (group 1,) and 9, for orthopedic/vascular injuries (group 2.) group 1 had significantly higher shunt time, mortality, ISS, and MESS. Shunt time ranged from 47 to 3,130 minutes (52 hours.) Two patients, 1 in each group, required amputations. CONCLUSION: Temporary arterial shunts can be use for combined orthopedic and vascular injuries and for damage control. Shunts can stay open for 52 hours without systemic anticoagulation.     

Factors Affecting Perioperative Mortality and Wound-Related Complications Following Major Lower Extremity Amputations

Major lower extremity amputations continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet few recent large series have evaluated factors associated with perioperative mortality and wound complications. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting perioperative mortality and wound-related complications following major lower extremity amputation. A retrospective review was conducted of all adult patients who underwent nontraumatic major lower extremity amputations over a 5-year period at a single tertiary-care center in southern West Virginia. Demographic and clinical data, perioperative data, and outcomes were collected and analyzed to identify any relationship with perioperative mortality, as well as wound complications and early revisions (within 90 days) to a more proximal level. Variables were examined using chi-squared, two-tailed t-tests, and logistic regression. Three hundred eighty patients (61% male) underwent 412 major lower extremity amputations during 1999-2003. The initial level of amputation included 230 below-knee (BKA), 149 above-knee (AKA), and one hip disarticulation. Perioperative mortality was 15.5% (n = 59). From a regression model, age, albumin level, AKA, and lack of a previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were independently related to mortality. Patients who did not have a previous CABG were nearly three times more likely to die than those who did (p = 0.038). Overall early wound complications were noted in 13.4% (n = 51). Four factors were independently related to experiencing a 90-day wound complication: BKA, community (rather than care facility) living, type of anesthesia, and preoperative hematocrit >30%. Major lower extremity amputation in patients with peripheral vascular disease continues to be associated with considerable perioperative morbidity and mortality. Even though the surgical procedure itself may not be challenging from a technical standpoint, underlying medical conditions put this group at high risk for perioperative death. Wound-healing problems are frequently encountered and must be minimized to facilitate early mobilization and hospital discharge.Presented at the 33rd Annual Symposium: Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, Coral Gables, FL, March 2005.     

Arterial vascular injuries in fractures and dislocations

We analyzed reasons, numbers and results of arterial lesions accompanying fractures (n = 21) and luxations (n = 6) in a 6-year-period (1993-1998) retrospectively. Traffic accidents were in nearly 50% responsible for the injuries. 8 patients had suffered multiple injuries. In 17 patients the lower, and in 10 patients the upper extremities were affected. The vascular wall was completely disrupted or severed in 74%. In 7 cases (26%), patients had suffered blunt or indirect arterial trauma with intima- and media-lacerations due to subcapital fracture of the humerus (n = 2), fractured femoral bone (n = 1), luxation of the knee joint (n = 3) or the elbow (n = 1). The mean preoperative time period was 6 hours and 20 minutes (2 to 16 hours) in patients with complete ischaemia. Vascular reconstruction was performed by interposition of an autologous vein graft or an autologous venous bypass (n = 20), by direct reconstruction and primary suturing (n = 2), by use of a venous patch plasty (n = 2) and, in a single case, by autologous bypass procedure. In one case, a crural artery was ligated, in another case with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) of 7 points a primary amputation of the lower leg was necessary. In 5 patients (19%) secondary amputations were performed. No patient died. The final outcome is mostly influenced by the preoperative period of ischaemia.     

Combined orthopedic and vascular injury in the lower extremities: indications for amputation

A retrospective review was undertaken to determine risk factors associated with amputation after open fractures of the lower extremity that were complicated by vascular injury. During an 11-year period ending in December 1987, we observed open fractures in 31 patients and injuries to the popliteal artery in 16 patients, to the tibial arteries in eight patients, to the femoral artery in five patients, and to the dorsal artery of the foot in two patients. Vascular repair was accomplished in 25 patients; 12 patients had primary end-to-end anastomosis, 12 patients had reverse saphenous vein grafts, and one patient had a bovine graft. Of these 25 patients, five patients required amputation because of infection and three patients required amputation because of continued ischemia. Three patients with irreparable damage had immediate amputation, and three patients without distal ischemia had vessel ligation only. The risk factors associated with amputation were shock on admission (10 of 19 patients [p less than 0.02]) and a crushed extremity (10 of 18 patients [p less than 0.01]). The overall amputation rate, which included three immediate amputations and eight late amputations, was 35.2%. The data suggest that limb salvage is possible in two thirds of patients with combined orthopedic and vascular injuries of the lower extremity, but a history of shock or crush injury with vascular compromise is an unfavorable prognostic sign.     

Popliteal artery injuries: civilian experience with sixty-three patients during a twenty-four year period (1960 through 1984)

Our experience with 63 patients who had popliteal artery injuries sustained in civilian accidents is reported. Blunt injuries occurred in 53 patients and 49 had associated skeletal injuries. Eighteen patients suffered knee dislocation; six of these patients had associated fractures. Fractures of the upper third of the tibia occurred in 21 patients. Five patients had irreversible ischemia and required primary amputation. Thirteen amputations were required in 58 patients in whom arterial repair was performed, for an amputation rate of 22%. There were no amputations in 19 patients treated less than 6 hours after injury was sustained. Four deaths occurred. Fasciotomy was performed in 20 patients. Skeletal injuries were usually treated with external fixation.