title: Amputation and prostheses in Khartoum.
abstract: One hundred and seventy patients with major lower limb amputation (MLLA) presenting to The National Prosthetic-Orthotic Centre (NPOC) in Khartoum over a 1-year period were studied. There were 141 males and 29 females giving a M:F ratio of 4.9: 1.0, with mean age of 37 years (range 5-72 years). Forty-one patients (24%) underwent amputation of diabetic septic foot, 30 patients (17.6%) underwent amputation as a result of trauma from road traffic accidents and Madura foot, and war injuries accounted for 29 amputations (17%). One hundred and eleven patients had below knee amputation (BKA), 52 had above knee amputation (AKA) and seven patients had Syme's amputation. Diabetic amputees had higher rate of revisional surgery compared with others because of sepsis and/or flap necrosis. Stump pain was reported by amputees with excessive scarring of the stump and those with undue prominence of bony ends. There are two types of prostheses provided by the NPOC for both BKA and AKA: the peg leg and the conventional prostheses. The Syme's amputees were fitted with either simple hoof or articulated prostheses with solid ankle cushion heel (SACH). The peg leg consists of a leather lined side bearing metal socket connected to a rocker base by side steels. It is used by the country natives as it suits different weather and job conditions, particularly farming, and it can be repaired locally. The urban population use the conventional prostheses which is lighter in weight, can be put on and taken off easily and is cosmetically acceptable. However, these prostheses are more expensive and require frequent repair or replacement. The functional outcome of patient's rehabilitation with the prostheses was significantly affected by the level and indication of amputation. Those with BKA and those amputated because of trauma or Madura foot experienced better functional outcome compared with the diabetics, independent of age. 50% of patients with the AKA and 19% of those with BKA reported poor functional outcome. Surgeons should be more involved with the long-term evaluation of functional outcome in such patients, to offer help if feasible and to modify their technique for future procedures.
authors.affiliation: Damazine Hospital, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Mohamed
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged