title: Indications and complications of major limb amputations in Kano, Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the indications and complications of major limb amputations in a Nigerian hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  A five-year retrospective descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who had amputations above the wrist or ankle between January 2006 and December 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Indications, complications and mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 132 unilateral amputations. The patients were mostly males and below the age of 40. Lower limb amputations (74.2%) exceeded upper limb amputations (25.8%). The commonest indication was trauma (42.4%) followed by TBS gangrene (31.8%) and malignant tumours (12.9%). Wound infection, the commonest complication, occurred in patients who had identifiable predisposing factors. The 3 deaths that occurred were in patients who had had traditional bone setter intervention: 2 were due to septicaemia; 1, due to severe tetanus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trauma and traditional bone setter gangrene were the commonest indications. Most of the amputations were avoidable. Institution of preventive measures is imperative. Paying attention to predisposing factors can reduce complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ajibade
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Services, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala , Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Akinniyi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Services, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala , Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Okoye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D009985:Orthopedics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Major amputation; Nigeria; developing country; limb amputation