Management of the Mangled Extremity

Purpose of Review The management of the mangled extremity has undergone significant evolution over the past decades. Understanding these advancements and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to these injuries is critical to patient outcomes. Recent Findings Historically devastating extremity injuries were often subject to amputation. Developments in initial resuscitation and an integrated management of these patients has allowed for the potential of limb salvageability. Prior scoring systems to determine candidacy for salvage have fallen to the wayside with a lack of reliable outcome measures. The early recognition of a multi-disciplinary approach and implementation of an orthoplastic stratagem has permitted abilities of both upper and lower extremity reconstruction. An understanding of institutional limitations and quick recognition of the need for patient transfer to the appropriate facility is paramount. Summary Quick resuscitation and engagements of the essential subspecialty groups has shifted the paradigm of management of mangled extremity trauma to utilization of advanced surgical reconstruction potential.