Sarcouncil Journal of Medical Series

Abstract: Delayed ischemia of the limbs after traumatic injury is a serious vascular emergency, and the main therapeutic measure to maintain the limbs and restore their functions to the original state is revascularization. The current study aimed at determining the functional outcomes relating to revascularization in individuals with delayed ischemia of the limbs due to trauma. The study is a cross-sectional one that involved 105 patients with delayed limb ischemia due to trauma that received revascularization surgery. Information was received concerning patient demographics, injury characteristics, procedural details, early complications (0-30 days), and functional outcomes in the 6 and 12 months. Such outcomes as limb salvage rates, mobility ratings (Lower Extremity Functional Scale), pain ratings (Visual Analog Scale), return-to-work, quality of life (SF-36), and long-term complications were considered. The 6 and 12-month overall limb salvage rate was 84.8 and 81.9 percent. The patients, upon treatment with less than 6 hours, reported better limb salvage (93.5%), mobility (77.4%), and returning to their jobs (58.1%), compared with the treatment of the patients who were late and treated after 12 hours (62.5%, 34.4%, and 15.6%, respectively). The 6 and 12-month overall limb salvage rate was 84.8 and 81.9 percent. The patients, upon treatment with less than 6 hours, reported better limb salvage (93.5%), mobility (77.4%), and returning to their jobs (58.1%), compared with the treatment of the patients who were late and treated after 12 hours (62.5%, 34.4%, and 15.6%, respectively). There is a strong correlation between early revascularization (within 6 hours) and patients with delayed limb ischemia after trauma, with enhanced limb salvage, better functional recovery, and lower complication rates. Old age, high comorbid status, high level of injury, and a long period of time in ischemia also become significant predictors of negative outcomes.