Lower-Extremity Amputation: A 6-Year Follow-up Study in Brazil

• Published in: Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong) 2005-08, Vol.13 (2), p.164-166
• Main Authors: de Godoy, JMP, de Godoy, MF, Batigalia, F, Trávolo, ARF, Monteiro, EHF
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amputation - methods; Amputation - mortality; Amputation - statistics & numerical data; Brazil - epidemiology; Cause of Death; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lower Extremity - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications - mortality; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sex Distribution; Survival Rate; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1022-5536; 2309-4990
• DOI: 10.1177/230949900501300210

Purpose. To evaluate the 6-year mortality in 50 patients following lower-limb amputation. Methods. The cumulative survival rate of 50 (28 men, 22 women) amputees aged 54 to 94 years (mean, 67.3; median, 73.5) was retrospectively studied from 1993 to 1998. Indications for above- or below-knee amputation were trauma (n=2), vasculitis (n=2), and critical ischaemia of the lower limbs (n=46). Leg amputation was performed after anamnesis, physical examination, and angiography. All patients were followed up for 6 years by phone or domiciliary visit. A death certificate was verified when a patient was lost to follow-up. Statistical analysis was expressed by the actuarial survival curve. Results. Of 50 amputees, 36 died in the 6 years following leg amputation: 22 in the first year, 3 in the second year, 5 in the third year, 2 in the fourth year, 2 in the fifth year, 2 in the sixth year; 14 remained alive after 6 years. Conclusion. Patients who underwent lower-limb amputation had a high 6-year mortality. Most deaths occurred in the first year.