Lower Extremity Amputations in the County of Aalborg 1961–1971: Population Study and Follow-Up

Abstract

All lower extremity amputations in the county of Aalborg, Denmark, during the period 1961–1971 were analysed. During this 10-year period the amputation rate did not increase. Those requiring amputation were predominantly arteriosclerotics followed by diabetics. The diabetics underwent amputation 3 years younger on average than the arteriosclerotics, but it was more often possible to preserve the knee in diabetics. There was a far higher rate of successful prosthetic fitting among patients in whom the knee had been preserved. Despite a high mortality, also beyond the first postoperative months, prosthetic fitting was of such psychological and social value, that every effort should be made to ambulate the patients. The majority could be looked after in their homes. This was the most positive finding in the present study.