Ataya J, Daaboul R, Alhomsi H, Issa H, Elewee A. Lower limb preservation in pediatric trauma: a case study of Gustilo grade IIIC fracture in a 7-year-old.
J Surg Case Rep 2024;
2024:rjae016. [PMID:
38283407 PMCID:
PMC10810729 DOI:
10.1093/jscr/rjae016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report describes the intricate aspects of managing pediatric lower limb trauma. A 7-year-old patient had a severe compound fracture and significant soft tissue damage in the left lower limb, classified as Gustilo Grade IIIC. This necessitated the use of scoring systems such as the Mangled Extremity Severity Score and limb salvage index to assess the likelihood of limb preservation. Despite these high amputation risk indicators, a multidisciplinary approach has led to limb salvage surgery with internal fixation. Detailed postoperative monitoring revealed progressive recovery culminating in restored sensation, bone healing, and functional recovery. The discussion emphasizes the difficulties in deciding between limb salvage and amputation, stressing the importance of tailored care and cautious scoring system interpretation in pediatric cases. This conclusion advocates the prioritization of limb salvage in children owing to their unique healing capabilities while highlighting the need for further research to refine treatment protocols for pediatric lower limb trauma.
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