Major limb amputations in El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan

الملخص EN

Objectives : To study the causes and pattern of major limb amputations in El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan.

Patients and methods : The records of 50 major limb amputations performed in patients admitted to the University Surgical Unit at El Obeid Teaching Hospital, Western Sudan in two years were retrospectively studied.

Results : 72 % of the victims were males.

The mean age was 51 years ± SD 34.5.

36 % of the amputations were emergency procedures.

Sepsis, trauma and vascular causes accounted for 40 %, 32 % and 16 % respectively.

The upper limb amputations were due to crushed missile injuries, lacerated wounds of animal bites and gangrenous limbs after post-fracture tight splintage by traditional bone setters.

Conclusions : The study showed that 96 % of the causes were potentially preventable, and that establishment of a Prothetic-Orthotic Centre is needed in this part of the country.