Management of the patient requiring leg amputation for peripheral vascular disease

Most leg amputations are performed because of the effects of peripheral vascular disease. Only 50% of such amputations were performed below the knee in Ontario in 1972, although the knee joint should be preserved in most patients. Careful preoperative evaluation is essential. Postoperative problems include gas gangrene for which prophylactic measures are recommended; failure of the stump to heal, which necessitates early revision of the stump; and defects in stump contour, which necessitate late revision. An enthusiastic team approach to rehabilitation is necessary to overcome the physical and mental problems that result from amputation of a leg.