[Isolated soft tissue trauma and combination injuries]

The special problem in severe soft tissue injuries of the lower limb are the thin soft tissue coverage and the diminished blood supply of the distal lower limb and foot. For this reason there is a big difficulty in estimating the severity of the injury. We developed a classification for severe lower limb and foot injuries and classified: soft tissue damage. concomitant local injuries. fracture type. classification of multiple injuries. time of treatment. This classification resulted in 4 groups, which have a prognostic value especially towards amputation or preservation of the limb.