Lower limb amputation: striking the balance.

During a 5-year period, 210 patients (125 male: aged 43-96 years, median 76 years) had 228 primary amputations for peripheral arterial disease. Level selection was by clinical criteria, and there were 148 below-knee (BK, 65%), 72 above-knee (AK, 32%) and eight Gritti-Stokes (GS, 3%). Revision was needed in 43 (19%). The 30-day mortality was 14%. There were 69 patients who had previously undergone bypass grafting (< 30 days in 36; 30 days-1 year 20; > 1 year 13). In these there were 57% BK and 43% AK with a revision rate of 13%--no worse than in patients who had not had attempted limb salvage. Decisions about rehabilitation were made by a team of doctors, nurses and therapists. The 69 patients fitted with prosthetic limbs between 1987 and 1990 were followed up for eventual mobility (minimum 6 months). Of these patients, 81% used their prosthesis at least around the house, but only 16% achieved near normal mobility. This series fails to support the claim that failed arterial bypass surgery prejudices amputation level or healing. Despite attempts to achieve a high rate of below-knee amputation and good rehabilitation, the revision rate remains high and really good prosthesis usage remains low in these elderly patients.