Role of mangled extremity severity score in reservation and amputation of crush limbs in patients attributable to China Wenchuan earthquake / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the role of mangled extremity severity score(MESS)in res-ervation and amputation of crush lower limbs in earthquake. Methods There were 122 patients with crush lower limb injuries,with MESS≥8 points in 34 patients who were primarily amputated,M ESS 5-7points in 19 who were principally preserved and MESS＜5 points in 69 who were preserved by means of debridement,external fixators,plast splints and vaeuum sealing drainage technique.Results All pa-tients were survived.with amputation rate of 29.5%. Conclusion MESS is an important reference for evaluation of reservation and amputation of crush limb injuries caused by earthquake.