Limb amputations in adults at Laquintinie hospital in Douala: indications and management

Abstract

Introduction: Amputation consists of the removal of a limb, a segment of a limb or a protruding part that has lost all vitality. The aim of the study was to highlight the main indications and management of limb amputations in adults.

Methodology: this was a cross-sectional, retrospective study. Included were the files of patients who underwent limb amputation from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS Version
26.0 software.

Results: Sixty cases were included. The average age of the patients was 46.5 ± 17.5 years, with a male predominance. Motorcycle drivers and workers were in the majority. The left side was the most affected (n=35/60, 57.2%). The main indications were vascular
(n=31/60, 51.1%) and traumatic (n=22/60, 33.3%). The main etiology was road accidents (n=23/60, 38.3%). Patients were treated within more than 6 hours. This was a major amputation of the pelvic limbs (n=54/60, 93.3%), mainly transtibial amputation (n=28/60,
46.7%) and transfemoral amputation (n= 25/60, 41.7%).

Conclusion: Adequate prevention of the causes could reduce the indications for amputations experienced as tragedies by patients.