The mangled extremity in children

Abstract

A mangled extremity is an extremity that has sustained severe traumatic injury to at least three of the systems of a limb (soft tissue, bone, nerves, and vasculature). Management of mangled extremities in children poses a dif fi cult challenge to the treating surgeon, as decisions must be made quickly to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The most difficult decision is whether limb salvage should be attempted or amputation should be performed. This chapter reviews the presentation, evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of mangled extremities in children.