Treatment of the mangled lower extremity after a terrorist blast injury

Terrorist bombings, with resultant blast injuries, have been increasing in frequency during the past 30 years. Injury to the musculoskeletal system is common in victims who survive such attacks. Substantial injury to the limbs may occur through several different mechanisms, each of which may affect prognosis and alter the treatment algorithm. An analysis of the available literature on terrorism and blast events revealed that resource use of the treating medical facility is high during the initial hours after a blast attack, but usually is manageable. A resource management protocol was developed to organize the treatment of limb salvage into four phases. This management protocol may improve the medical facility's ability to manage system resources while treating patients with severe blast injuries. The decision of whether to salvage or proceed with limb amputation is one of the most difficult in orthopaedic trauma. A basic education in the mechanisms of blast damage, a methodical approach to resuscitation, and mangled extremity treatment, likely can improve surgical success.