Non-traumatic lower limb older amputees: a database survey from a geriatric centre

The purpose of this survey was to examine the characteristic of a geriatric population admitted for amputation of a lower limb and to explore some of the factors that may affect the course of their hospital stay.

The study took place in the geriatric division of a tertiary general hospital and included a close geriatric-orthopaedic liaison. Two-hundred and forty-one patients were included in the final analysis.

Many above knee amputations were performed, which correlated with advanced age. Rates of in hospital mortality and systemic complications were 16% and 19%, respectively. Thirty-three percent of the patients were discharged back home, and only 6% were supplied with an artificial limb. The general condition of most patients remained poor.

We conclude that despite a team approach to the care of the geriatric amputee a poor functional result was obtained. By encouraging earlier referrals from the community it is postulated that a reduction in the costly provision of antibiotics would be beneficial and that perhaps lower levels of amputation could be performed thereby enhancing the possibilities for ambulation.