Limb amputation in children in Zaria, Nigeria

Over a period of 10 years, a total of 118 limb amputations were performed in children at the Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. The major indication for limb amputation was trauma and gangrene following post-fracture splintage by traditional healers. There was no case of peripheral vascular disease in these patients. None of the patients had a prosthesis applied. The very high number of limb amputations is certainly preventable by early and effective management of fractures.