Outcomes Following Mangling Upper Extremity Trauma

Abstract

Mangling injuries involve multiple tissue types and present a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. While multiple reconstructive techniques have been described for bones, vessels, nerves, and soft tissues, there are few studies examining the long-term functional outcomes of patients with mangled upper extremities. As a result, there are few evidence-based management paradigms to improve functional outcomes. This paper is a review of the literature throughout the past decade on the management of upper extremity trauma, with seven studies focused on long-term functional outcome measures. While there is little consensus in the medical literature on the preferred functional outcome measure for upper extremity trauma, even patients with the most severe injuries can achieve a reasonable functional outcome, with the ability to maintain employment and perform basic functions of daily living with their injured limb.