Major limb amputation in adults, Zaria, Nigeria.

Over a period of 10 years, a total of 320 limb amputations were performed on adults at the Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Nigeria. The major indication for upper limb amputation was trauma and post-fracture splintage gangrene (57%). In the lower limb the most common indication for amputation was advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin involving the bone. There was no case of peripheral vascular disease in these patients other than diabetic ulcers. The fitting of prosthesis was uncommon. Most of these amputations were certainly preventable. The need is for early and effective management of fractures, and the excision and grafting of non-healing leg ulcers before they become chronic.