Safer Amputations: A review o f 158 cases

Abstract

A retrospective review of all amputations done between 1999-2003 at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos is presented. A total of 253 amputations were carried out but only 158 case records were available for review. The age range of study population was 9days-78years.; 46.83% of study population fell within the age bracket of 21-40 years. Trauma related causes were the commonest indications, accounting for 77.58% of cases. Only 2 amputations were done for peripheral vascular disease. 19.62% of the amputations were done for problems related to traditional bone setters' (TBS) interference. Above knee amputation was the commonest level (30.19%) followed closely by below knee (29.56%). A total of 103 complications were recorded. Wound infection was the commonest, accounting for 48.54% of all complications.

Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 25-32