Lower limb amputation in a general hospital: a comparative review.

This paper presents the results of a recent review of lower limb amputations carried out in a general hospital, and compares them with those of previous study of similar amputations. Particular attention is paid to the type of amputation-below-knee, through-knee or above-knee--and the associated morbidity, mortality and rehabilitation prospects. There is a need for an active approach to the problems of amputation with emphasis on preoperative preparation of the patient, the operation itself and rehabilitation follow-up in an amputation clinic.