Patients with limbs at high risk for amputation can be advised that reconstruction typically results in two-year outcomes equivalent to those of amputation.

No abstract

Injury is well recognized as a leading contributor to work disability. Estimates of the economic costs associated with lost work days following injuries occurring in a single year exceed $95 billion (1995 dollars

Smoking places the patient at risk for increased time to union and complications. Previous smoking history also appears to increase the risk of osteomyelitis and increased time to union. The results highlight the need for orthopaedic surgeons to encourage their patients to enter a smoking cessation programs.