Major foot trauma: the dilemma of reconstruction versus amputation

Advances in medicine and surgery have allowed for dramatic improvements in the management of severe foot trauma. Some salvage attempts have led patients to repeated hospitalizations, extensive complications, and a poor functional outcome. The decision for an early amputation versus salvage of the foot remains a difficult one. Two case studies from Loyola University Medical Center and the current predictive indices for limb salvage are reviewed in this chapter.