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Amputation Surgery in a Secondary Healthcare Facility in Nigeria – A Ten Year Review
Abstract
Amputation is a common surgical procedure which is practiced world-wide, although for varied indications. Amputation rate in Britain is put at 1 to 1.5 per 10,000 population,(1) whilst that of Nigeria is put at 1.6 per
100,000 population. (2) Most studies conducted on various aspects of limb amputation in Nigeria came from tertiary and specialist orthopaedic centres, results of which may or may not necessarily represent the national
pattern in view of the wide variation in sociocultural and demographic indices of the six geopolitical zones of the country. To document and share our experience in amputation surgery over a ten – year period in a secondary healthcare facility in sub- Saharan Africa. A retrospective study of 117 patients that underwent amputation in the facility between January 1998 and December 2007. Trauma remains the commonest indication for amputation in our environment. Only very few of the amputees were known to have been fitted with prostheses. Efforts should be made for proper and adequate treatment of limb injuries to avoid loss of limb. Traditional bone setters and the general public need to be enlightened about the harmful effects of inappropriate application of splints. Also improvement in facilities available in our hospitals especially in area of vascular surgery will go a long way in salvaging some limbs.
100,000 population. (2) Most studies conducted on various aspects of limb amputation in Nigeria came from tertiary and specialist orthopaedic centres, results of which may or may not necessarily represent the national
pattern in view of the wide variation in sociocultural and demographic indices of the six geopolitical zones of the country. To document and share our experience in amputation surgery over a ten – year period in a secondary healthcare facility in sub- Saharan Africa. A retrospective study of 117 patients that underwent amputation in the facility between January 1998 and December 2007. Trauma remains the commonest indication for amputation in our environment. Only very few of the amputees were known to have been fitted with prostheses. Efforts should be made for proper and adequate treatment of limb injuries to avoid loss of limb. Traditional bone setters and the general public need to be enlightened about the harmful effects of inappropriate application of splints. Also improvement in facilities available in our hospitals especially in area of vascular surgery will go a long way in salvaging some limbs.
