Introduction:

Decision making in determining management of post-trauma patient is very important, especially for traumatic in the small bones, fingers and toes. The global predictor to determine the management of retaining or amputating the limb is using the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) scoring system, values above 7 are the indication for amputation. The decision maker have to pay attention for the end result of the actions which were performed in the initial management.

Material and Methods:

One case is reported from Orthopaedic emergency department Hospital in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A 39-year old male with motor vehicle accident trauma at left foot region since 6 hours before admitted to hospital, later was diagnosed with open comminutive fracture shaft proximal phalang of left 5th toe, the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) was 8. Patient underwent emergency debridement and retained the toe by performed Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire.

Results:

This patient has a good clinical outcome by following up 2 weeks and 8 months after surgery by retain the affected side with debridement and Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire. Patient can ambulate normally with full weight bearing, and there is no difficulty to wearing shoe or sandal.

Conclusions:

Determination of action by retaining the traumatized limb needs to be considered for the good of the patient, but it is necessary to provide informed consent to the patient and family that there will be a possibility of tissue death with the worst possibility of limb amputation