Preventable amputations in Ethiopia

Objective: To determine how many amputations might be avoidable in Ethiopia.
Patients and methods: A retrospective study was made of 110 amputations (Male 83, Female 27) performed at the Tikur Anbessa Hospital during the 12 months between May 1 - April 31, 2001- 02.
Results: Upper limb amputations (ULA) were performed for 27 (25 %) of the patients and lower limb amputations (LLA) for 83 (75%). Amputation was performed for Trauma (40%), Gangrene of various causes (32 %), Tumour (17 %), and Infections (1 1%). The majority 64 (58 %) of the amputations were for conditions, which are preventable; these included all of the 27 upper limbs (100%), and 37 of the lower limbs (45 %). Further identification of preventable causes and the implementation of effective preventive measures are recommended.