Trends and Causes of Major Lower Limb Amputation in Bahrain: A Comparative Study

Background: Major lower limb amputation (MLLA) Inflicts significant psychological and socioeconomic Pressure for the patients and families.worldwide, diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral vascular disease are the leading causes for lower limb amputations [1].Similar to developed countries, Bahrain exhibits a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus [2].Objective: To compare the causes and characteristics of Major lower limb amputation in Bahrain between the periods of 2015-2016 and 2018-2023, highlighting any epidemiological shifts.Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted using data published in 2017 a prospective study done from period May 2015 to 30 April 2016 and vascular registry records from Salmaniya Medical Complex for the years 2018 through 2023.Patient demographics, indications for amputation, and surgical details were analyzed.Results: In 2017 dataset, 84.4% of MLLAs were Associated with DM and its complications.From 2018 to 2023, this figure increased to 94.1%.Trauma-related amputations accounted for only 2.4% of cases in the recent dataset compared to 4.4% in the 2017 dataset, Cases with unspecified causes mainly due to missing data remained low in both datasets.Across all years, most amputations were reported in males over the age of 60. Conclusion:Major lower limb amputations due to DM has increased significantly, from 2017 to 2023 supporting the need for urgent and Extensive diabetes management strategies in Bahrain.