Major Extremity Amputation: The Koforidua Experience

Abstract

Background: Major extremity amputation is a relatively common surgical procedure but there is a paucity of local data concerning such an important part of surgical practice. This study was undertaken to unearth the demographics, the common indications, levels, revision and mortality rates of major extremity amputation in a large orthopaedic facility in Ghana.Methods: A retrospective study of 94 consecutive patients with 95 major limb amputations between September 2010 to August 2013 was conducted and the results analysed.Results: Overall, the commonest indication for amputation was trauma which was responsible for 44(46.3%) cases. Of the 95 amputations, 81(85.3%) were lower limb amputations with below knee amputations accounting for 45(47.3%) cases. The age group 21 – 40years had the highest number of amputations with 38(40%) and the commonest cause in this age group was trauma. Average duration of hospitalization was 32 days with 8 patients (8.4%) requiring re-amputation. Six patients (6.4%) died.Conclusion: Major limb amputation is drastically life altering especially in third world countries where livelihoods may depend on the ability to perform manual tasks and opportunities for changes in career paths/gainful rehabilitation do not abound. If traumaticconditions are prevented and expeditiously dealt with and chronic diseases like diabetes are carefully managed, there will be a significant reduction in limb loss following trauma or diabetic foot syndrome.