Limb amputations in adults in an Ivorian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of limb amputations and preventable indications.

DESIGN

Aretrospective study.

SETTING

Department of orthopaedic surgery, Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

One hundred fifty-six patients with amputations over a 11-year period were studied. There were 111 men and 45 women with a mean age of 42 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indications, level of amputation, morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 160 limb amputations were performed in the 156 patients. Trauma (49.9%), diabetic foot sepsis (31.4%), and peripheral vascular disease (13%) were the main indications. Below knee (46.9%) and below elbow (11.2%) amputations were the most common procedures performed. Wound infection was the commonest complication occurring in 42 (26.9%) patients. There were 25 (16%) deaths, out of which 22 were due to sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Majority of amputations in our environment are preventable by education, early presentation and appropriate management of the common indications.