Causes of Amputations Performed during a 9-Year Period in Hospitals Affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background & Aims: Amputation has different causes and is increasing in many countries. This study tried to determine the etiology of the amputations in one of the relatively large cities of Iran. Method: This retrospective study was undertaken on all of the amputees in hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences during 9 years. Patients' demographic features including age and sex, as well as the amputated limb and its etiology, side and level were recorded. The level of amputation was recorded as minor (below wrist or ankle) or major (above wrist or ankle) too. Results: In whole, 624 patients were enrolled into the study. The number of amputees per year was 54-118 ones. From all participants, 508 ones (31.4%) were male and 118 ones (18.6%) were female. Mean age of male participants was less than females'. Upper extremities had been amputated more than of lower ones and while 61.9% (n=386) of the amputations were major, 38.1% (n=238) were minor. Overall, the most common cause of amputation was trauma and the most common level was transmetatarsal. The most common level for major amputations was below knee. Conclusion: In the present study, in contrast to similar studies in the developed countries, trauma was found to be the major cause of all types of amputations and in all age groups, which emphasizes the need for preventive measures in the country.