Abstract

Background: Lower limb amputation is a psychologically devastating and ominous event that portends poor survival due to loss of function, sensation and change of body image. The incidence is on the rise in Nigeria with huge negative impacts on sufferers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain lower limb amputation types and causes, socio-demographic distributions of this condition, and cases referred for Physiotherapy intervention at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Methods: This study was a 10-year retrospective review of lower limb amputations performed at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria from 1^st January 2004 to 31^st December 2013. A purposive sampling technique was used to select case records of lower limb amputation cases managed at the aforementioned facility.

Results: A total of one hundred and thirty-six case notes of persons with lower limb amputation were retrieved and reviewed over the 10 year period. Male (66.9%) amputees were in preponderance, and mean and age and range (in years) of the patients reviewed were 55.71 ± 3.54 and 3-90 respectively. Twenty-two amputee patients in the age group of 57-74 years were in majority. Diabetic neuropathy was the most important indication for lower limb amputation in this study. Below knee amputations constituted a vast majority (63.2%) of the level of amputation in our study. Only 10.3% of amputee patients with lower limb amputation were referred for physiotherapy management.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy referral for persons with amputation by first contact general practitioners was poor. It is imperative to create awareness on the role of physiotherapy amongst general practitioners involved in amputation care.

Keywords: Amputation; Incidence; Nigeria; Tertiary care centers