Indications and complications of major limb amputations in Kano, Nigeria

To determine the indications and complications of major limb amputations in a Nigerian hospital.

A five-year retrospective descriptive study.

National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria.

Patients who had amputations above the wrist or ankle between January 2006 and December 2010.

Indications, complications and mortality.

There were 132 unilateral amputations. The patients were mostly males and below the age of 40. Lower limb amputations (74.2%) exceeded upper limb amputations (25.8%). The commonest indication was trauma (42.4%) followed by TBS gangrene (31.8%) and malignant tumours (12.9%). Wound infection, the commonest complication, occurred in patients who had identifiable predisposing factors. The 3 deaths that occurred were in patients who had had traditional bone setter intervention: 2 were due to septicaemia; 1, due to severe tetanus.

Trauma and traditional bone setter gangrene were the commonest indications. Most of the amputations were avoidable. Institution of preventive measures is imperative. Paying attention to predisposing factors can reduce complications.