Limb salvage versus amputation: Experience of a young patient at a university hospital

TL;DR

A young woman with severe leg injuries after an accident achieved full limb recovery through multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation.

Contribution

This case demonstrates successful limb salvage despite poor initial prognosis and challenges standard amputation criteria.

Findings

A 24-year-old patient with severe lower limb trauma achieved full anatomical limb salvage.

Multidisciplinary care and intensive rehabilitation led to functional recovery.

The case emphasizes the need to consider factors beyond standard amputation scales.

Abstract

Decision-making regarding limb amputation represents a significant clinical challenge, especially when the initial evaluation does not coincide with the criteria established in scales used worldwide, as is the case of the MESS scale. This article presents the case of a 24-year-old female patient who was transferred to a university hospital after a road traffic accident with severe and large lesions in the left lower limb. Despite a poor initial prognosis and in-hospital complications, including multiple surgical procedures and foot drop, a favorable recovery was achieved with complete anatomical salvage of the limb at risk. The multidisciplinary approach and intensive rehabilitation were instrumental in achieving a satisfactory functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering factors beyond amputation scale scores, as well as the need for comprehensive care to improve outcomes in patients with complex extremity injuries.

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