Understanding the etiologies and methods to assess the need for lower limb amputation

Abstract

Introduction: Over 150,000 lower limb amputations every year in the US cost the healthcare system billions due to rising diabetes rates. Clinical state and soft tissue viability determine amputation. Medical optimization and amputation methods are examined. Guillotine, complete, and skin flap patterns are explored for below-knee amputations. Marking an incision, separating nerves and veins, cutting bones, and stabilizing the weight are the procedures. Rehabilitation requires wound care and prosthetic fitting after surgery. Aims and objectives: This study aims to investigate lower limb amputation causes and assessment methodologies for clinical decision-making and patient care. Methods: This prospective observational study at a tertiary care centre, examined lower limb amputations. From medical records, demographics, comorbidities, amputation levels, complications, hospital stays, death, prosthetic use, and functional outcomes were obtained. While protecting privacy and ethics, statistical tests were used to compare patient subgroups. The study
aims to improve patient care and treatment after lower limb amputations.
Results: Table 1 shows that 51.7% of lower limb amputations were attributable to PVD and 41.7% to diabetic foot. Spread cellulitis was 5% and osteomyelitis was 1.6%. Table 2 demonstrates that transfemoral (58.3%) amputations were more common than transtibial (41.7%), suggesting severe underlying diseases. Table 3 shows that PAOD patients had above-knee amputations and Diabetic Foot patients below-knee ones. The 40-60 age range had 86.70% male patients, as seen in Figure 1.
Conclusion: This research emphasizes stump quality over length in amputation recovery and the benefits of early prosthesis fitting and complete care teams for amputee outcomes