I write this review on the 1 yr ann. of my injury... Steel Mill accident, where 18,000 lbs of steel…read morerolled up my leg, "Grade III Open fracture of tibia/fibula, significant soft tissue loss, crush injury", life flighted to Presby hospital. Had 8 surgeries in 3 wks, requiring a "Skin Flap" (11 hr surgery headed by Dr Russavage), a muscle taken from thigh, artery sewn into lower leg, significant microvascular surgery -more extensive than I even understand, high risk for infection/ "not taking", why leeches were used in ICU for a week +, Never got an infection under Trauma Team headed by Dr Ivan Tarkin & Dr Russavage.
7 months later, 9th surgery, a Bone Graft, Dr R re-opened the Skin Flap, I was walking before the Bone Graft & I am walking now, I have "Drop foot "due to the crushing, so I use a brace & a cane when out & about, its been a long road to recovery but I made it, deeply thankful , indebted with gratitude
for my Trauma Team.
I & wife especially looked forward to visits with Dr Russavage, LOVED his bedside manner, witty, very personable, always laughed during our appointments, he almost became a Dentist, we think he'd made a fine Comedian, a man of many talents I say... His fine surgical skill saved MY LEG from an amputation. He was wonderful to explain things in a down to earth manner to make it relatable, with humor & wit.
Also GREAT staff, Morgan deserves a mention, answering all questions quickly on My UPMC. Dr Russavage is known for taking difficult cases, so I have heard, with a good outcome... I was one of those.