Parameters of multiple organ dysfunction fail to predict secondary amputation following limb salvage in multiply traumatized patients

Abstract Objective: the purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate whether systemic parameters that are used to characterize multiple organ dysfunction could also be used to predict the optimal time for amputation in patients failing limb salvage surgery following severe extremity injury. Methods: the principal criterion for the study group was a lower limb amputation following a type IIIb or IIIc open tibial shaft fracture in multiply traumatized patients. This group was then divided into one group of primary amputation (group A) and one group of secondary amputation (group B). Beside these groups a third group of total traumatic lower limb amputation was recruited (group C). Data analysis included demographics, injury severity according to the ISS, evaluation of the limb injury by three different salvage scores (HFS, MESS and NISSSA) and organ function monitoring by the Denver MOD Score over a 14-day period posttrauma or up to 7 days after secondary amputation. Results: within the period 1987–1997 a total of 15 patients were recruited for group A (primary amputation), 10 patients for group B (secondary amputation) and nine patients for group C (traumatic amputation). The MOD score was only positive for pulmonary dysfunction, also reflected by the Horovitz quotient, in those patients that died later in either group. Mortality was higher in group A (three out of 15) compared with group B (one out of 10), which may be due to a higher ISS in group A (mean ISS 28.2 vs. 21.0 of group B). Although the MOD score of all recovered patients revealed no significant difference between group A and B, secondary amputation resulted in significantly longer demand of mechanical ventilation. According to our results secondary amputation may lead to transiently decreased pulmonary function but does not necessarily end in multiple organ dysfunction. The need for amputation in failed limb salvage was not indicated by systemic parameters. Conclusion: the right time for secondary amputation in order to prevent subsequent pulmonary dysfunction cannot be predicted by parameters otherwise indicating organ dysfunction. As the risk of secondary amputation for developing pulmonary dysfunction apparently cannot be estimated the decision for amputation or limb salvage should be made initially after trauma and should be the definite one.