Severe upper limb injuries with or without neurovascular compromise in children and adolescents--analysis of 32 cases.

The healing and regeneration capacity of the injured tissues in childhood, adolescence, and adult life differs significantly. As a result, the prognosis of compound injuries of the upper limb in different age groups varies; therefore, the decision making and management of these cases should be age-specific. This article presents a series of 32 patients aged 1.5-14 years, with compound injuries of the upper limb that have been treated in our hospital during the period of the last 6 years. Ten of the above cases involved major vascular lesions that required revascularization or replantation. The injuries were classified according to the SATT (Severity, Anatomy, Topography, Type) classification system. This study shows that the outcome of compound upper limb injuries is age-related, while the SATT classification system is a valuable tool in the decision making process. Further research should be undertaken to determine age group-specific indications for the management of compound upper limb injuries, based on the SATT classification system. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.