Pattern and early outcome of major limb amputation in a tertiary Orthopedic hospital in northern Nigeria

Background: Major Limb amputation is a frequently carried out orthopedic procedure. The indications vary and even though sometimes the conditions may be preventable, often times amputation is carried out as a life saving procedure. This study sets to find out the pattern of major limb amputation and its outcome at a tertiary orthopedic hospital in northern Nigeria. Methods: the study was a hospital based prospective study carried out between August, 2014 to July, 2015. Patients undergoing Major Limb (i.e limb proximal to the ankle or wrist) amputation at the hospital who gave consent within the study period were enrolled. A proforma was used to collect data as regards the bio-data, clinic-pathological details and the outcome of management such as: clinical complications, depression and early rehabilitation were taken. SPSS version 16 for windows was used to analyze data and information represented in chats and tables. Results: The younger age group (18-65years) was found to be involved in 94.4% of cases, men in 77.7% of cases. The most common indication was trauma in 85.2%. Above knee amputation was the most done in 31.4% of patients followed closely by below knee, and wound infection the most common complication? No mortality recorded, only 1 patient was depressed, and rehabilitation was good for all patients. Conclusions: Major limb amputation is considered the last resort when limb salvage is impossible. Males, the younger age group are more affected. Trauma was the main indication and above the most amputated limb. Wound infection was the most common complication and generally rehabilitation was good.