Fate of the vascular patient after below-knee amputation.

50 below-knee amputations were carried out in 45 patients (25 men and 20 women), mean (SD) age 73 (10.5) years. The mean survival time was 22(16) months after the operation. In each patient the healing potential of a below-knee amputation was determined preoperatively by segmental pressure studies and thermographic delineation of skin perfusion. 33 of the stumps healed by first intention, in 14 healing was delayed but occurred without the need for further surgery, and 3 stumps healed after local wedge excision. The initial mobilisation rate was 90%. Thus, there are no grounds for carrying out an initial above-knee amputation to save the patient a further operation.