Critical evaluation of mangled extremity severity scoring system in Indian patients

Amputation of a mangled extremity is repugnant to the patient and the surgeon. However, prolonged unsuccessful attempts at salvage are costly, highly morbid and sometimes lethal. Much discussion has taken place regarding which criteria predict successful salvage, and predictive indices have been proposed in an attempt to identify limbs for which attempted salvage is unlikely to succeed. The mangled extremity severity score, or MESS system is the most thoroughly validated of the various classification systems, but at present there is no predictive scale that can be used with confidence to determine whether to amputate or attempt to salvage a mangled lower extremity. MESS system based on four significant criteria (with increasing points with worsening prognosis) i.e. skeletal injury, limb ischaemia, shock and patient age, has become a standard method to determine which one of the mangled extremities will eventually undergo amputation or salvage. Keeping in view the paucity of studies on Indian patients, a prospective trial of MESS was done in 50 patients who had 56 mangled extremities during the last 3 years. A significant difference between the MESS value of salvaged limbs (4.7) and amputated limbs (8.6) was found. MESS value of more than 7 was most specific and was found to have a positive predictive value of 100%. The results have been compared with Western literature and authors suggest that nerve injuries and irreparable soft tissue loss should be given an extra point each. In bilateral cases, the MESS value of each limb should be properly assessed (especially when patient is in shock), as the score may increase because of the other injured limb.