Analysis on amputation due to severe lower limb injury after earthquake / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze indications,complications and outcomes of amputation.Methods A total of 15 patients undergone amputation in field or at tent hospital were collected for analy-zing injury severity,place where amputation was done,whether open or closed amputation and stitch re-moval time. Results There were 9 males and 6 females.at an average age of 32 years(11-51years).There were 16 amputations including Gustilo IIIB in 2 patients, Gustilo IIIC in 9 and Tscheme Ⅲin 5 according to Gustiln classification or Tscheme classification.Four patients who received amputation in field or at tent hospital developed infection and had to receive amputation again at a higher level on the limb and drainage of open wounds because of a higher infection rate due to the amputation location.Ten patients received first amputation at higher levels with open wound at station hospital but only 2 manifested infected incision.High level amputation with one stage closure was done in 1 patient who was infected and suppurated after operation and even developed bacteremia. Conclusions Infection rate following am-putation 4n field and tent clinics is rather higher,so secondary open amputations should be performed at a higher level as soon as possible.One-time and high-level open amputation plays an important role in treat-ment of severe lower limb injuries following earthquake.