Extremity amputations in warri, South-South Nigeria

Amputation is one of the most common procedures in the practice of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Nigeria. Many previous studies and reports from different centres show variations in the indications for this surgical procedure.

The aim of this study is to find the most important indications for amputation in our immediate environment and make possible suggestions towards reducing the incidence.

This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients who had limb amputations at the Central Hospital, Warri between January, 2009 and December, 2011. Case notes of patients were retrieved, relevant information extracted and analysed.

A total of 44 patients had 46 amputations within the study period. The age range of patients was between 8-88 years. Amputation in 63.6% of the patients was due to diabetic foot disease, followed by trauma in 20.5% of cases. About (62.5%) of the amputations were below knee amputations while toe amputations made up 17.4% of cases. The lower limb was involved in 91% of cases and upper limbs in 9% of cases. Complication rate was about 39.1% which was mostly as a result of wound infections.

Diabetic foot disease was the most important indication for amputation in this study. Rigorous public enlightenment on the prevention and effective treatment of diabetes will reduce the incidence of lower limb amputations in this environment.