Nineteenth century amputations at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.
OBJECTIVE
To describe 19th century amputations carried out at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of hospital archives.


RESULTS
Details of 276 amputations were analysed. The majority (86%) were in men and boys. The median age was 33 years. The ratio of leg:arm amputation was 2:1. Trauma accounted for 58% of amputations. Of 52 arm amputations, 42 were due to trauma, compared with 37 of 110 leg amputations (P < 0.001). Mortality was higher following amputation for trauma than for disease (P < 0.01). Mortality following leg amputation was 16% compared with 3.8% after arm amputation (P < 0.05). Death rate following compound fracture was 23%.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with today, the population undergoing amputation and the indications for amputation in the 19th century differ significantly. However, it is apparent that in those patients who were selected to undergo amputation acceptable survival figures could be achieved.
Galland
R B
RB
Vascular Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. robert.galland@rbbh-tr.nhs.uk
D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000266:history* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England; D049672:History, 19th Century; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006761:Hospitals / Q000266:history; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D012189:Retrospective Studies