Sahel Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2011  |  Volume : 14  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 30--32

Paediatric amputations in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria


M Oboirien, S Ismail, PS Agbo 
 Department of Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
M Oboirien
Department of Othorpaedics & Trauma, Trauma Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
Nigeria

Background: Reports on Paediatric amputations are few in Nigeria. Though reports on adults abound, the peculiarities a child has in terms of anatomy and physiology with regard to amputation surgeries are different. This study aims to provide a profile of Paediatric amputations carried out at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methoas: Data regarding Paediatric amputations over a 5-year period between January 2004 and December 2008 were obtained. A retrospective analysis was done with regard to sex, indications and pattern of amputation as well as complications. Age limit of 16 years was used as this represents the cut-off for Paediatric admissions in our hospital. Results: There were 37 cases of Paediatric amputations in 37 patients representing 27% of all amputations done over the five year period. Boys accounted for 23(62%) and girls 14(38%) with M: F ratio or 1.6:1. The age range was between 1 and 16 years with a mean of 8.16 years and standard deviation of 4.01 years. Traditional bone setters gangrene was the commonest indication and accounted for 19(51%), while trauma accounted for 10(27%). Above elbow amputation was the commonest form as seen in 12(32%) patients, followed by above knee in 11(30%) patients. Anaemia, wound infections and tetanus were the common complications. The duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 48 days with a mean of 13.97 days and standard deviation of 10.7 days. One (3%) death was recorded. Conclusion: Community awareness campaign on misadventures of traditional bone setters would go a long way in reducing the rate of Paediatric amputations in our society.


How to cite this article:
Oboirien M, Ismail S, Agbo P S. Paediatric amputations in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria .Sahel Med J 2011;14:30-32


How to cite this URL:
Oboirien M, Ismail S, Agbo P S. Paediatric amputations in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria . Sahel Med J [serial online] 2011 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];14:30-32
Available from: https://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2011;volume=14;issue=1;spage=30;epage=32;aulast=Oboirien;type=0