A clinical study of amputations of the lower limb.

A retrospective study of 525 cases of lower limb amputation attending the Outpatient Department of the Rehabilitation and Artificial Limb Centre and various rural clinics from January 1976 to March 1978 was carried out. Males outnumbered females and the majority of cases were in the 3rd decade. Trauma was the most common cause of amputation followed by peripheral vascular disease and neoplastic lesions. The stump was considered to be satisfactory in more than half of the cases studied. Proper postoperative care was lacking in most of those amputated at other centres.