Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS)
Assess limb-salvage potential in trauma to the extremity.
About
The MESS score assists in deciding between limb reconstruction and primary amputation for lower limb severe trauma in the Emergency Department.
The high specificity of the score confirms that low scores can be used to predict limb-salvage potential. However, the study by Bosse et al shows that the low sensitivity of the score fails to support its validity as predictor of amputation. The final decision is up to the surgeon on the basis of their experience in limb reconstructive surgery and on the available resources of the trauma center.
References
Johansen K, Daines M, Howey T, Helfet D, Hansen ST Jr.
Bosse MJ et al.
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