Lower limb amputations: Our experience single centre study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Major limb amputation is reported to be a major but preventable public health problem that is associated with profound economic, social and psychological effects on the patient and family especially in developing countries where the prosthetic services are poor. Amputation has implications on both mobility and functionality. The purpose of this study was to outline the patterns, indications and short term complications of major limb amputations and to compare our experience with that of other published data. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving all patients who underwent major lower limb amputations at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital between March 2008 and February 2016. All patients who underwent major limb amputation were, after informed consent for the study, enrolled into the study Amputation was performed by the attending surgeon who also prescribed the postoperative care of the patient. Patients were followed up till discharge or death. Results: A total of 162 patients were entered into the study. Their ages ranged between 2180 years. The most common indication for major limb amputation was diabetic foot complications in 87.6% followed by chronic non healing ulcer and peripheral vascular disease. Above knee amputation was the most common procedure performed in 88.8%. Conclusion: Complications of diabetic foot ulcers and chronic non healing ulcer were the most common indications for major limb amputation in our environment. The majority of these amputations are preventable by provision of health education, early presentation and appropriate management of the common indications.