Leg-threatening injuries present @entity1 and clinicians with the difficult decision to pursue primary amputation or attempt limb salvage. The effects of delayed amputation after failed limb salvage on outcomes, such as prosthetic use and hospital deposition, are unclear. We evaluated the timing of amputations and its effects on outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed all @entity130 @entity1 undergoing lower extremity amputation from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2010 at a Level 2 @entity130 center. @entity1 undergoing early amputation (amputation within 48 hours of admission) were compared with @entity1 undergoing late amputation (amputations >48 hours after admission). @entity1 demographics, injury specifics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were documented. During the 11-year study period, 43 @entity1 had a lower extremity amputation and 21 had early amputations. The two groups were similar except for a slightly higher Mangled Extremity Severity Score in the early amputation group. Total hospital length of stay significantly differed between groups, with the late amputation group length of stay being nearly twice as long. The late amputation group had significantly more @entity532 than the early group (77% vs 15%). There was a trend toward more prosthetic use in the early group (93%vs 57%, P = 0.07). Traumatic lower extremity injuries requiring amputation are rare at our institution (0.3% incidence). Regardless of the amputation timing, most @entity1 were able to obtain a prosthetic. Although the late group had a longer length of hospital stay and more @entity4218 , attempted limb salvage still appears to be a viable option for appropriately selected @entity130 @entity1 .

Early versus delayed amputation in the setting of severe lower extremity XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'Patient'] @entity532 :: ('MESH:D003925', 'Disease') :: ['ipsilateral leg complications'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['trauma'] @entity4218 :: ('MESH:D017880', 'Disease') :: ['local limb complications']
@entity130 :: (MESH:D014947,Disease) :: ['trauma']
