Current Indications for Extremity Amputations in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria: A 6-year Retrospective Review

OBJECTIVE To know the the commonest cause for extremity amputation in UMTH in recent times, following the result of two previous studies citing malignancy and later trauma, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a tertiary hospital in North East Nigeria. METHOD We retrieved folders of all patients who had extremity amputation from January 2010 to December 2016 in our center. There were one hundred and sixty three case notes, accounting for one hundred and sixty five amputations. RESULTS Of the 165 amputations in 163 patients, 94 (57.0%) were as a result of this problem. It was also noted that the affected patients were regular with their medications, bringing into question the efficacy of these medications. Trauma however remains the second common cause for amputation, accounting for 22 (13.3%), followed by complications from splints of traditional bone setters (TBS) which accounted for 20 (12.2%). CONCLUSION Complicated diabetes mellitus is the commonest cause oa amputations in recent times in our center.