Limb amputations in adults in an Ivorian teaching hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of limb amputations and preventable indications.


METHODS
Aretrospective study.


METHODS
Department of orthopaedic surgery, Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-six patients with amputations over a 11-year period were studied. There were 111 men and 45 women with a mean age of 42 years.


METHODS
Indications, level of amputation, morbidity, and mortality.


RESULTS
A total of 160 limb amputations were performed in the 156 patients. Trauma (49.9%), diabetic foot sepsis (31.4%), and peripheral vascular disease (13%) were the main indications. Below knee (46.9%) and below elbow (11.2%) amputations were the most common procedures performed. Wound infection was the commonest complication occurring in 42 (26.9%) patients. There were 25 (16%) deaths, out of which 22 were due to sepsis.


CONCLUSIONS
Majority of amputations in our environment are preventable by education, early presentation and appropriate management of the common indications.
Sié Essoh
J B
JB
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yopougon Teaching Hospital, 21 BP 632 Abidjan 21 Côte d'Ivoire. siessoh@yahoo.com
Kodo
M
M
Djè Bi Djè
V
V
Lambin
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors