Below- and through-knee amputations in ischaemic disease

Abstract

Abstract Fifty-three below-knee amputations and 22 through-knee amputations were done for ischaemic disease at St. Thomas's Hospital over the past 5 years. It was found that 36 of the below-knee amputations healed satisfactorily, 27 by first intention, 9 after infection. Eleven of the through-knee amputations healed, 4 after infection. The healing was unaffected by the presence or absence of peripheral gangrene. It is suggested that is suggested that in ischaemic disease of the lower limbs a below-knee amputation should be considered as it has a 70 per cent chance of healing, but if it is felt that this amputation is not suitable then an above-knee amputation should be done in preference to a through-knee amputation.