ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the patterns of traumatic extremity injuries leading to amputation in Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of Iranian National Trauma Project was used to identify patients with upper and lower extremity traumas undergoing amputation. This project was conducted in 8 major cities during 2000-2004.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 17 753 traumatic patients, 164 (0.92%) had injuries to the extremities that resulted in the limb amputation. Of these, 143 (87.2%) were men. The patient's mean age was 29.0 years +/- 15.4 years and the highest incidence was seen in the age group of 21 to 30 years (34.1%). One hundred and four cases were occupational accidents (63.4%). Blunt trauma was in 54.9% of the cases. The most common reasons for amputation were respectively stabbings (37.8%) and crush injuries (31.7%). Amputation of hand fingers was the most frequent type of amputation (125 cases, 76.2 %). One patient died from severe associated injuries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows the patterns of traumatic limb amputation in Iran, a developing country. Results of this study may be used in preventive strategic planning.</p>
