title: Complex limb trauma requiring revascularization: early multidisciplinary management.
abstract: Salvage of limbs with combined vascular, skeletal and extensive soft tissue injury requires the skills of several surgical specialities. Four illustrative cases are presented, three successes and one failure, and from these some conclusions are drawn. Contrary to accepted teaching, it is believed that in the emergency management of most patients with complex limb trauma, vascular reconstruction should take priority, followed by skeletal stabilization, soft tissue repair and early flap cover.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Unit, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Glasson
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001366:Axillary Artery / Q000601:surgery; D001367:Axillary Vein / Q000601:surgery; D003646:Debridement; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps