title: Initial care of massively traumatized lower extremities.
abstract: From July 1985 through July 1987, 19 patients with 20 massively traumatized lower limbs were treated using a standardized protocol, including early consultation with microvascular and plastic surgeons and a nurse-practitioner. This early consultation allowed for timely reconstruction as well as patient and family counseling. Thirteen of these 20 limbs (65%) were salvaged. Of the seven amputations, one patient died and two patients were lost to follow-up study. The results of the 16 remaining patients with 17 affected limbs were reviewed. Seventy-five percent were ambulatory in less than one year following surgery. All were ambulatory without external aids or orthoses at final follow-up examination. A rapid return to previous activities was a direct result of early decision making.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: McAndrew
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Lantz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis