Limb salvage versus amputation: Experience of a young patient at a university hospital

• Published in: Trauma case reports Vol. 52; p. 101062
• Main Authors: Martínez, Juan Guillermo Ortiz, Lamberti, Edgar Manuel Bodu, Perea, Pablo Ricardo Patarroyo, Avendaño, Angela María Rico, Barrero, María Juliana Neira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Amputation; Case Report; Case report (MeSH); External fixator; Limb salvage; Case report (MeSH); Limb salvage; External fixator; Amputation
• ISSN: 2352-6440; 2352-6440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101062

Decision-making regarding limb amputation represents a significant clinical challenge, especially when the initial evaluation does not coincide with the criteria established in scales used worldwide, as is the case of the MESS scale. This article presents the case of a 24-year-old female patient who was transferred to a university hospital after a road traffic accident with severe and large lesions in the left lower limb. Despite a poor initial prognosis and in-hospital complications, including multiple surgical procedures and foot drop, a favorable recovery was achieved with complete anatomical salvage of the limb at risk. The multidisciplinary approach and intensive rehabilitation were instrumental in achieving a satisfactory functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering factors beyond amputation scale scores, as well as the need for comprehensive care to improve outcomes in patients with complex extremity injuries.