Association of clinical characteristics with decision making in patients with severe lower extremity trauma

Severe lower limb trauma represents a challenge for both the emergency department physicians and the surgeons. These injuries are associated with significant incidence of limb loss and it is not uncommon for the treating physician to make the hard decision between limb salvage, amputation or stump closure for a patient in critical condition. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiology of traumatic lower extremity amputations and to analyze the factors which may have effect on patient resuscitation, limb salvage and efficient patient management. Patients who were admitted to our institution’s emergency department for traumatic lower extremity amputation over an 8 years’ period (2012 to 2020) were retrospectively analyzed. Patient files with the possibility of severe lower limb trauma and mangled extremity were retrieved and analyzed using ICD codes recorded/registered during the emergency department admission. Mean time from emergency admission to transfer to operating theater was 184,5 minutes. Replantation of the amputate was performed in 4 patients (19%). 25% of the amputations at the ankle level (1 out of 4) and 37.5% of the transtibial amputates (3 out of 8) were replanted. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in every aspect of patient management; however, this does not justify a delay in treatment. Time spent during conclusion of necessary consultations does not have negative effects on patient outcome as long as patient is closely monitored and resuscitated in the emergency department.