Leg amputations

Leg amputations are typically seen in the context of peripheral vascular disease.

General - overview

Comes in two basic flavours:

• Above the knee ampuation (AKA).
• Below the knee ampuation (BKA).

Etiology:

• Diabetes mellitus - most common - see atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.
• Trauma.
• Infection - see chronic osteomyelitis.
• Drug use, e.g. cocaine.<ref name=pmid17059855>Dhawan SS, Wang BW (February 2007). "Four-extremity gangrene associated with crack cocaine abuse". Ann Emerg Med 49 (2): 186–9. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2006.08.001. PMID 17059855.<ref>

Grossing

• Dimensions.
• Resection margin: appears viable.
• Intactness: all appendages present.
• Hair: present/absent.
• Ulcer: present/absent, location, size.
• Skin changes: shiny, gangrenous.
• Skin lesions: present/absent.
• Nails: within normal limits/colour change.
• Vessels: examined? vascular disease?
• Muscle wasting: present/absent.

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See Ditzels#Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.

See also

• Ditzels.