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. 2016 Oct-Dec;7(4):242-247.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2016.03.006. Epub 2016 Apr 12.

The indications for major limb amputations: 8 years retrospective study in a private orthopaedic and trauma centre in the south-east Nigeria

Thaddeus Chika Agu  1 , Mathew Emeka Ojiaku  2
Affiliations

The indications for major limb amputations: 8 years retrospective study in a private orthopaedic and trauma centre in the south-east Nigeria

Thaddeus Chika Agu et al. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2016 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: Major limb amputation is a common orthopaedic trauma procedure and it is indicated mainly for traumatic gangrene and for trauma related limb conditions. The loss of a limb is devastating to the patient even when it is done to save life. The aims of the study are to highlight the indications for major limb amputations and to find out if there are any concurrent pattern changes.

Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study analysing medical records of all the patients, who had major limb amputations over a period of 8 years, between October 2007 and September 2015 in a private orthopaedic and trauma centre in the south-east sub-region of Nigeria.

Results: Traumatic gangrene was the commonest indication for amputation n = 30 (44.7%), followed by diabetic gangrene n = 15 (22.3%), and then traditional bone setters' gangrene n = 10 (14.9%). These were trailed by mangled extremity, malignant conditions of the limb and polydactyl in that order of decreasing frequency.

Conclusion: Traumatic gangrene and other trauma related limb conditions are the leading indications for amputation in this study despite some recent reports stating otherwise. Trauma is largely preventable and so there is a need for continued intensification of the public campaign on road use as a means of preventing severe limb injuries and thus reducing consequent need for amputations.

Keywords: Gangrene; Limb injuries; Major limb amputations; Orthopaedic trauma; Retrospective study.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pie chart showing distribution of trauma related indications for amputations and others.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Histogram showing the distribution of the amputation type in relation to the diagnosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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