Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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The authors review the principles of reconstructive surgery for lower limb salvage after severe lower limb trauma to determine factors that have been used as decision-making criteria for limb salvage or amputation in severe lower extremity injuries and the methods of reconstruction and their outcome. The use of scoring systems and their value in acute decision making (primary amputation or limb salvage) are described. ⋯ It is essential for the physician to make a good initial decision on the need for primary amputation or limb salvage. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental to successful salvage.