Al- Anbar Medical Journal

Abstract

AbstractAim: The study aims at determining the prevalence and causes of lower limb amputations in Al-Ramadi General Hospital.Methods: The medical data and records of all patients with lower limb amputation who were treated in Al-Ramadi General Hospital from January 2003 to January 2008 were reviewed. Age, sex, cause and level of amputation were taken in to consideration.Results: we record a total number of 221 patients were studied among them 125 male (56%) and 96 female (44%). The mean age was 44 years. Trans-femoral amputation was the commonest leading level of amputation 29%, followed by toe amputation 26%. Diabetes Mellitus DM (42%) was the most common cause of amputation followed by trauma (41%).Conclusions: Diabetes Mellitus is the main cause of lower limb amputation in Al-Ramadi city. Good control of blood sugar and education programs are important to minimize the complication of this disease. Proper identification of the high risk patients and follow-up programs should reduce the occurrence of the amputationRecommendations: It is recommended to develop of high specialized centers for treatment and follow-up of diabetic patients.Keywords: amputation, trauma, prevalence, diabetes.