J Korean Fract Soc.  2002 Jan;15(1):28-35.

Limb Salvage versus Early Amputation according to Mangled Extremity Severity Score in Treatment of the Lower Extremity Open Fractures associated with Severe Soft Tissue Injury

• Song KJ
• Kim YM
• Lee KR

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the availability of the mangled extremity severity score(MESS) in deciding the early treatment modality for the patients with open lower extremity fractures and severe soft tissue injury.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Analyzed 27 patients for the lower extremity open fractures with extensive soft tissue injury. A comparative study using a MESS, a cause of injury, vascular injury and a fracture pattern, average hospital stay and average hospital charges were analyzed, and daily living ability and subjective self-evaluation were assessed.
RESULTS
There was statistically significant correlation applying MESS to patient group that had been operated by early amputation because of severe soft tissue and vascular injury. But there was no significant difference in the subjective self-assessment score, admission period and total cost during admission between each treatment method.
CONCLUSION
MESS can be used as an objective assessment criteria in deciding the proper treatment modality for the cases of lower limbs fracture with extensive soft tissues and vascular injury.

Keyword

Lower extremity open fracture; MESS; Limb salvage; Amputation

MeSH Terms

Amputation*
Diagnostic Self Evaluation
Extremities*
Fractures, Open*
Hospital Charges
Humans
Length of Stay
Limb Salvage*
Lower Extremity*
Self-Assessment
Soft Tissue Injuries*
Vascular System Injuries