A clinical study on lower limb amputations

Abstract

Introduction: Limb amputation is one of the commonly done surgical procedures. Bleeding, shock and sepsis were common risks in the olden days. Amputation should not be considered as a failure of treatment. They are lifesaving procedure during trauma, PVD, and for malignancies. Post amputation prosthesis management is a team approach with a surgeon, physician, physiotherapist, prosthetist, social worker to prevent complications. AIM: To know the various indications and post - operative complications of amputations. Methodology: A prospective observational study done in Narayana Medical College and Hospital Nellore during August 2017 to July 2019. Patients who underwent amputations were selected on simple random technique and analysed. Results: In the study mean age was 33.4 years. Diabetes accounts the major cause of amputation in this age group. In the study males were 37 (74%) and females were 13(26%). Forefoot amputation was commonly done procedure. Stump infection was the common complication in the post-operative period. Conclusion: In the era of developed surgical techniques, anaesthesia and rehabilitation methods amputation surgeries are with less procedural morbidity and in the post-operative period. Diabetes, PVD, RTA, tumours are common cause of amputations.