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Relevance of mangled extremity severity score to compartment syndromes
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The mangled extremity severity score (MESS) shows a significant correlation with intracompartmental pressure in trauma patients. This suggests MESS can objectively assess compartment syndrome risk.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency caused by increased intracompartmental pressure.
- Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible tissue damage.
- The mangled extremity severity score (MESS) is used to assess the severity of limb injuries.
Observation:
- Intracompartmental pressures were measured in 27 trauma patients using a modified Whitesides method.
- Mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was compared with intracompartmental pressure values.
- Fasciotomy was required in 5 patients due to elevated intracompartmental pressures.
Findings:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between MESS and intracompartmental pressure (r = 0.733, P < 0.05).
- MESS demonstrated objectivity in evaluating the risk of compartment syndrome.
- The findings support the utility of MESS in guiding clinical decisions for limb salvage.
Implications:
- MESS can serve as a valuable, objective tool for predicting compartment syndrome in mangled extremities.
- Early identification of high-risk patients may lead to timely surgical intervention, improving outcomes.
- Further research could explore refining MESS criteria for enhanced compartment syndrome risk assessment.