The mangled extremity.

The management of patients with severe extremity injuries involves focused efforts at limb salvage and mitigation of potential infectious complications. An in-depth understanding of the proper approach to initial management is essential, as it may impact eventual outcome. The use of established scoring systems may predict those at greater risk and enable expeditious utilization of appropriate consultation services. This case-based review highlights critical aspects of patient care and provides a framework for the role of the Emergency Physician.