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Major limb amputation in Ibadan
S O Ogunlade1, T O Alonge, A B O Omololu
1Division of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
Major limb amputations are often caused by trauma and diabetes. Focusing on preventing accidents and improving diabetic foot care could significantly reduce amputation rates.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Major limb amputations are a significant surgical procedure with various underlying causes.
- Understanding the epidemiology and predisposing factors is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends, causes, and outcomes of major limb amputations at a tertiary hospital.
- To identify key factors contributing to amputations and inform public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Data collection over a 5-year period at University College Hospital Ibadan.
- Analysis of patient demographics, amputation indications, and post-operative complications.
Main Results:
- 101 major limb amputations were performed (71% male).
- Leading causes included trauma (48%), diabetes (26%), soft tissue infections (13%), and tumors (13%).
- Lower limb amputations constituted 69% of cases; wound infection was the primary post-operative complication.
Conclusions:
- Trauma and diabetes are primary drivers of major limb amputations.
- Delayed presentation due to patient refusal impacts surgical outcomes.
- Public health initiatives targeting vehicular safety and diabetic foot care are essential for amputation reduction.
Abstract:
A prospective study of patients who had major limb amputation at the University College Hospital Ibadan over a 5-year period is presented. One hundred and one major limb amputations were performed within this period (71 Males, 30 Females, M:F = 2.3:1). Trauma accounted for 48% of the cases followed by diabetes in 26%, soft tissue infection in 13% and tumours also in 13%. The major post-op complication was wound infection. In accordance with the findings in other centers, a higher proportion of the amputations (69%) were carried out in the lower limbs. Patient's refusal to accept amputation resulted in a delay in amputation in 49 patients. This delay (before surgery) ranged from 1 day to 150 days, with a mean of 15.49 (SD 9.V). From this study, we found that a reduction in vehicular accidents and increasing emphasis on efficient foot care (and glycaemic control) in the diabetic may significantly reduce the rate of amputations in our environment.
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