Analysis of amputations occurring in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş: Adıyaman experience

Abstract

Purpose: Amputations are a common surgical procedure resulting from trauma during earthquakes, leading to severe disability. This study aims to investigate surgical outcomes specific to amputations that occurred in Adıyaman after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Methods: This descriptive study included amputees who presented to Adıyaman University Training and Research Hospital. Between March 6, 2024 and March 29, 2024, amputees were contacted by phone and asked the questions in the form. Data analyzed included demographic information, number and level of amputated extremities, phantom limb pain, stump infection, extrication time, time to initiation of rehabilitation, number of revision, and whether a prosthesis was fitted.

Results: The study reached 75 amputees. The mean age was 37.9 ± 19.2, and the most frequently amputated age group was adults. Stump infection was observed in 40 amputees (53.3%), phantom limb pain in 47 (62.6%), and revision in 29 (38.7%). The median extrication time was 36 h and initiation of rehabilitation time was 45 days. It was noted that 35 amputees (62.5%) used prostheses. A statistically significant relationship was found between fasciotomy and stump infection (p = .000). Infection was detected in 65% of those who underwent fasciotomy.

Conclusion: Earthquake-related amputations most frequently affected the adult age group and primarily involved lower extremity amputations, such as transfemoral and transtibial amputations. Phantom limb pain, need for revision, and infection are common in earthquake-induced amputations. Delayed fasciotomy increases the risk of stump infection. The data obtained in this study will help plan local health services to coordinate amputation care in disasters.

Keywords: Amputation, traumatic; Earthquakes; Fasciotomy; Phantom Limb.