Limb Amputations in Western

Over a period of five years, 123 patients who had 124 limb amputations in King Fahd Hospital, Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia were reviewed to find out the pattern of amputations, aetiological factors and difficulties in management. The male: female ratio was 2.8 : 1. The mean age was 52.5 years (range, 2·100 yrs). The lower limb was involved in 108 cases (87.8%) compared to only 16 upper limb amputations. The commonest cause of upper limb amputations was trauma while diabetic foot ulcer headed the list of indioations in lower limb amputations. Peripheral vascular disease was the indication in 14.6%and neglected acutely ischaemic limbs in 4.1%. Seven limbs were lost due to malignant tumours, mainly squamous cell carcinoma (n=6). Most of the amputations were carried out by a qualified surgeon (91.0%). Reamputation was necessary in the same stump in 13 patients 10.5%. The mortality rate (within 30 days) after surgery was 5.7% (n=7). Only 20 patients were rehabilitated and fitted with artificial limbs. In developing countries every effort should be made to avoid amputation. Knowledge of the common causative factors will help in preventing them and subsequently reduoing the incidence of this tragedy. (Asian J. Surgery 1992; 15(3): 119-122)