The management of severe compound war injuries of the extremities in paediatric patients.

Twelve children suffering from severe multiple injuries following mine explosions and extensive crush to the locomotor system are described. An aggressive therapeutic approach in which surgical debridement followed by soft tissue repair was combined with external fixation and hyperbaric oxygen, resulted in the salvage of six limbs. Eleven limbs, crushed beyond repair, were amputated. All children made a surprisingly quick functional recovery.