Profile of Childhood Amputations in a Tertiary Institution in North Central Nigeria. A 10 Year Retrospective Study Childhood Amputations in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Amputation is the removal of a limb or part of a limb through the bone. Amputation affects a child's emotional, psychological, and social development and might lead to poor performance at school. Objectives: To analyze the profile of childhood amputations done in Dalhatu-Arafat Specialist Hospital, Nasarawa, North-Central, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Medical records of all consecutive patients who had amputations done between January 2012 and December 2021 who were 18 years and below were retrieved from the records department. Patient's demographics, indications, types and complications of surgery were extracted and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Results: There were 56 unilateral amputations done in 47 males and 9 females. The upper limb was involved in 30 (53.6%) while 26 (46.4%) were on the lower limb. Above elbow amputation was done in (25%) while below elbow was done in (14.3%). (14.3%) was below knee amputation while (8.9%) were above knee joint. (7.1%) were trans-knee amputation while one was a trans-elbow amputation. Trauma was the leading cause 50 (89.3%), followed by tumor 3 (5.6%). 60% of the trauma cases arose from wrongful manipulation of simple fractures and dislocations by traditional bone setters. Flap necrosis and wound infection were the common complications noted. Conclusion: Trauma was the commonest indication for childhood amputation and majority were due to gangrene from traditional bone setter's mismanagement. Above elbow and below knee amputation were the commonest types of amputation done. These avoidable causes of amputation can be reduced by combined efforts from government, the the public, and private individuals.