[Limb-saving surgery of the lower extremities in children].

In 21 children with severe injuries of the lower extremities observed within 10 years, limb saving surgery was attempted. The evaluation of an injury is determined by the severity of the soft tissue damage rather than by the type of a fracture. A new classification is suggested for this purpose. Therapeutic clues are an open treatment of the wound with repeated irrigations and debridements. Bone fractures are stabilised and vascular separations repaired. Definitive care of skin, soft tissues and bones is undertaken only within weeks following the injury and in good circulatory conditions. All extremities with an injury-score 3 could be saved. Among the 9 incomplete or complete amputations limb saving procedures succeeded in 3 cases.