A survey on causes of amputation in a 9-year period in Iran.

BACKGROUND

Limb loss occurs as a result of different causes and has been increasing in many countries. This study determines the demography of amputees in one of the relatively large cities of Iran.

METHODS

This retrospective study was undertaken on all of the amputees between 2003 and 2011. Patients' demographics including age, sex, the limb that had undergone amputation, etiology of limb loss and side and level of amputation were recorded. Also, the level of amputation was recorded as minor (below wrist or ankle) or major (above wrist or ankle).

RESULTS

In total, 624 patients were enrolled in the study. The number of amputees was from 53 to 118/year. Of the patients, 508 were male (81.4 %) and 118 were female (18.6 %). The men with amputation were younger on average than women; 61.9 % of the amputations (386) were major and 38.1 % were minor (238). Overall, the most common cause of amputation was trauma and the most common level was transmetatarsal. The most common level for major amputations was below knee.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to similar studies in developed countries, trauma was found to be the major cause of all types of amputations and in all age groups, which emphasizes the need for preventive measures in the country.