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Single-, multiple-flap limb salvages demonstrate similar outcomes

Limb-salvage procedures in patients with multiple limb injuries had similar outcomes compared with single-limb-injured patients despite a significantly higher injury severity score, according to study results.

Researchers retrospectively analyzed warfare-related extremity injuries treated for limb salvage at the National Capital Consortium between 2003 and 2012. They compared number of single- and multiple-flap limb salvages, Injury Severity Score, success rates and complications.

Overall, 359 limb-salvage reconstructive procedures were performed, with 311 cases of single-extremity salvage and 48 cases of multiple-flap or multiple-extremity salvage.

Injury Severity Score was 23 in the multiple extremity group — significantly higher than in the single extremity group (17), according to the researchers.

In single-limb salvage cases, the primary flap failure rate was 9%. Multiple-limb salvage cases had a primary flap failure rate of 12%.

Total complication rates were 26% and 33% for single- and multiple-limb salvage cases, respectively, which were not considered significantly different, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.