The validity of the mangled extremity severity score in the assessment of upper limb injuries.
The Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) may be used to decide whether to perform amputation in patients with injuries involving a limb. A score of 7 points or higher indicates the need for amputation. We have treated three patients with a MESS of 7 points or higher, in two of which the injured limb was salvaged. This scoring system was originally devised to assess injuries to the lower limb. However, a MESS of 7 points as a justification for amputation does not appear appropriate when assessing injuries to the major vessels in the upper limb.
Togawa
S
S
Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-5819, Japan. stogawa@muc.biglobe.ne.jp
Yamami
N
N
Nakayama
H
H
Mano
Y
Y
Ikegami
K
K
Ozeki
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery