Outcome after trans-tibial amputation for vascular disease. A follow-up after eight years

All 112 patients (55 females and 57 males) with a primary unilateral trans-tibial amputation for vascular disease performed in one year at all five hospitals in Malmöhus county, Sweden were examined at 6 months according to the prosthetic function and prospectively followed-up 8 years after the amputation for survival, and prosthetic fitting. The prosthetic function was re-examined among the survivors 8 years postoperatively. At 6 months 50% were fitted with a prosthesis and later (up to 8 years) a further 13%, in total 32 females and 39 males. The mortality at 6 months was 33%, at 2 years 47% and at 8 years 92%. Age at amputation (p = 0.015), to be amputated on the left leg (p = 0.0004), to be able to walk alone outdoors before the amputation (p = 0.007) and not using a wheelchair (p = 0.02) were all found to be statistically significant predictors for receiving a prosthesis. Predictors for good function with the prosthesis 6 months postoperatively was male sex (23 of 57 vs 8 of 55 females) (p = 0.006) and greater ability to walk alone outdoors before the amputation (p = 0.01). There was no significant age difference in this comparison. The finding that it is more favourable to be amputated on the left leg merits further study.