A modified Gritti-Stokes amputation: its place in the management of peripheral vascular disease.

A modified technique for performing the Gritti-Stokes amputation is described and the results obtained in 247 cases are presented. The mortality rate was 9.3% and healing occurred in 87% of survivors. Using this modified technique the frequently cited criticisms of non-union of the patella and painful stumps were not found to be major problems. The prosthetic problems of amputation at this level are discussed in relation to recent developments in the design of artificial limbs.