Major
lower limb amputations
There are approximately 5-6000 major lower limb amputations undertaken per year
in the UK.
Roughly:
85% are performed for peripheral vascular disease
10% for trauma
3% for malignant disease
2% for chronic pain, congenital deformity and other causes
Approximately:
80% below knee amputees will walk again
40-50% above knee amputees will walk again
Outcome: Variable but depends on age, reason for amputation and co-existing
disease
Below Knee Amputation
Case study
This young man in his twenties sustained major injuries to his ankle as a result
of trauma.
17 orthopaedic operations later he remained off work and unable to walk more
than 25 metres because of a deformed ankle.
The patient was assessed in our multi-disciplinary clinic and a decision to
proceed with a below knee amputation was made.
Surgery was more difficult than usual because of the extensive previous skin
grafting. A modified skin flap was felt to be most appropriate.
The patient made a full recovery.
He has returned to a very active life including normal work, canoeing and hill
walking (he covered 24kms over mountain terrain within 4 months of surgery).
