Background: Amputation is one of the oldest known surgical procedures. It has been one of the modalities of applying judgment and treatment. Its method and indications has evolved over time. Modern amputation is regarded as a part of treatment rather than failure of treatment. Amputation is the removal of a limb or part of a limb through on or more bone. When through a joint is referred to as disarticulation. Data on the profile and pattern of amputation in Liberia will add to the body of knowledge.
Aim and objectives: Is to describe the pattern of limb of amputations in Liberia. Also to describe the anatomical variations of limb amputations in Liberia.
Patients and method: A retrospective study of all patients that underwent limb amputation surgeries in the John F Kennedy Memorial (JFK M), Hospital , Monrovia Liberia between January 2010 to December 2015.
Results: 100 patients had limb amputations between 2010 and 2015. Males(73) to female(27) ratio were 2.4:1. The age range was 9 - 91 years. Mean age was 42.9 years. The indications for amputations were Trauma 24%, Diabetes 29%, Gangrene (6%), Chronic ulcer (25%), Tumour (5%). Below knee(47%), Above Knee(45%), Below elbow(2%), Above Elbow(2%), Knee Disarticulation(2%), and Big Toe Disarticulation(2%).
Conclusion: The profile of Limb amputation in Liberia is not very different from what is obtaining in the region. However the limitations of histology and other investigative procedure have affected the accurate diagnosis of certain conditions like tumours.
RésuméContexte: L amputation est l'une des vieilles interventions chirurgicales connues. Elle a ete une des modalitees exigeant un choix judicieux et le traitement adequat. Ses methodes et indications ont evoluer aucours de temps. L' amputation moderne est consideree comme faisant partie du traitement plutot que de l' echec therapeutique. L amputation est definie comme l' ablation d' un member ou d une partie de membre au a travers d' un ou des plusieurs os. Quand ,elle se fait au niveau d'une articulation, celle ci s' appellee la desarticulation. Les donnees sur le profil et structure de l amputation au Liberia ajouteront un plus de conaissance au corps academique. But et objectifs: C' est de decrire le mode d'amputation du member au Liberia; Ainsi que ses variations anatomiques. Patients et Methode: Une etude retrospective de tous les Patients ayant subit l' amputation chirurgicale du membre a John F kennedy Memorial Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia entre janvier 2010 jusque decembre 2015. Resultas: 100 patients ont subit les amputations entre 2010 et 2015. Males :73, Femeles: 27, Sexe ratio :2.4/1, Tranche d 'age :9-91ans, Age moyen: 42,9 ans, Indications des amputations: Diabetes:29%, Ulceres chroniques:25%, Traumatisme: 24%, Gangrene: 6%, Tumeures: 5%, Au dessous du genou: 47%, Au dessus du genoux: 45%, En dessous du coude: 2%, Au dessus du coude:2%, Disarticulation du genou: 2%, Desarticulation du gros orteil : 2%. Conclusion: Le profil sur les amputations des membres au Liberia n' est pas tres different de ce obtenu dans la region. Cependant ,carence en histologie et autres investigatios paracliniques ont affectees le diagnostique precis des certaines conditions comme les tumeurs.
Keywords: Liberia; limb amputation; pattern.