Preventing biological waste: Effective use of viable tissue in traumatized lower extremities

Jefferson L. Lansford, Conor F. McCarthy, Jason M. Souza, Ean R. Saberski, Benjamin K. Potter*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Severe open lower extremity trauma requires debridement to remove contamination and devitalized tissues. Aggressive debridement should be balanced with preservation of viable tissue. These often damaged but preserved viable tissues are "spare parts" that augment the options available for reconstruction. The long-term goal of reconstruction should be functional limb restoration and optimization. Injury patterns, levels, and patient factors will determine whether this endeavor is better accomplished with limb salvage or amputation. This article reviews the rationale and strategies for preserving spare parts throughout debridement and then incorporating them as opportunistic grafts in the ultimate reconstruction to facilitate healing and maximize extremity function.Level of Evidence:5.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberA1
JournalOTA international : the open access journal of orthopaedic trauma
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Jul 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • amputation
  • limb salvage
  • mangled extremity
  • opportunistic grafts
  • spare parts surgery

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