Major lower limb amputations in Far North Queensland.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Diabetology
• Public Health

Background:

• Major lower limb amputation is a significant procedure, often resulting from peripheral artery disease or diabetes mellitus.
• Significant variations in amputation rates exist globally and nationally.
• Understanding regional patient demographics is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize patients undergoing major lower limb amputation in Far North Queensland.
• To compare this cohort with national and state data.
• To investigate demographic and clinical differences in the Indigenous population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 51 major lower limb amputations (January 2015 - January 2017).
• Collection of relevant clinical information.
• Comparative analysis with existing literature and Australian data.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 59.5 years; over 70% had diabetes, and one-third required dialysis.
• Indigenous patients (23 of 51) were significantly younger (54.6 vs. 63.5 years) and more likely to be diabetic (91.3% vs. 65.2%).
• Arterial ulcer/gangrene was the most common indication (52.9%), but Indigenous patients more frequently underwent amputation due to sepsis (47.8% vs. 7.1%).

Conclusions:

• Major amputation patients in Far North Queensland are younger and more diabetic compared to Australian averages.
• Diabetes and renal disease are highly prevalent, particularly in the Indigenous patient group.
• Sepsis is a more common driver for amputation in Indigenous individuals.