Lower limb amputations: Registration of all lower limb amputations performed at the University Hospital of Trondheim,Norway,1994–1997

Abstract

The authors consecutively recorded all lower limb amputations performed at the University Hospital of Trondheim from January 1st, 1994 to January 1st, 1997. A total of 215 primary lower limb amputations were carried out in the study period: 40 partial foot amputations, 2 ankle disarticulations, 51 trans-tibial amputations, 68 knee disarticulations, 50 trans-femoral amputations and 4 hip disarticulations.

Seventy-four (74) (34%) of the amputees had diabetes mellitus, 113 (53%) had peripheral vascular disease and 28 (13%) of the amputees had various diagnoses. In those who were amputated due to diabetic and peripheral vascular disease the overall reamputation rate was 19% and 20%, respectively. The rates of reamputation at the trans-tibial and knee level were similar. In the city of Trondheim the annual incidence of primary amputations was 34 per 100,000 and 4.4 per 1,000 diabetic subjects. The incidence of lower limb amputations was 25 times higher in diabetic subjects compared to non-diabetic subjects.