Multiple High-Energy Open Injuries in the Same Limb: Comparison of Outcomes Between Salvage and Amputation Groups

To analyze the functional outcomes between limb salvage and amputation patients who had multiple open injuries in the same lower limb.

This observational study analyzed 21 patients who were admitted with multiple open injuries in the same lower limb between January 2012 and December 2015 in our unit. Twelve patients underwent limb salvage and nine patients underwent amputation. The total number of surgeries, duration of hospital stays, ICU admission, complications, time to return to work and costs of inpatient treatment were analyzed. The functional outcome was assessed by using the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) in both groups, SF-12 score was done for both groups and amputation specific scoring was done by using locomotors capabilities index (LCI).

The LEFS was lower in salvage group than amputation group. The SF-12 score was close to normal population in the amputation group and was higher than salvage group. The duration of hospital stays, total number of surgeries and the costs of inpatient admission were higher in salvage group. The time to return to work was earlier in amputation group. Sixty-seven percentage of patients in the salvage group developed complications.

The functional outcome and SF-12 score was better in amputation group. Patients who had amputation returned to work earlier, had smaller number of secondary hospitalization and has less complications and incurred less expenditure for treatment. The treatment decision should be periodically reviewed when an initial choice of salvage is made. Amputation must be looked at as a treatment for early rehabilitation.