Amputation as a consequence of stroke.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant correlation exists between the side of hemiplegia caused by a cerebrovascular accident and side of a subsequent major lower-extremity amputation. We also attempted to determine if a relationship exists between the time from cerebrovascular accident to the amputation, or level of amputation, and any concomitant risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, or cigarette smoking. Forty-seven patients were included in the study; 40 of the 47 had an amputation on the side of the hemiplegia, which represented a statistically significant relationship (chi 2 = 5.00, p less than 0.05). The cause of limb loss was chronic ischemia in all cases; trophic ulcers and pressure necrosis played a significant role in 23 cases. No conclusions could be made between the level of amputation or time between the cerebrovascular accident and amputation in relation to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, or cigarette smoking.