Wartime amputations

Abstract

This paper outlines the causative factors, incidence, and localization of extremity amputations of wounded persons treated at the Osijek University Hospital (Eastern Slavonia) during 1991 and 1992. The medical documentation of 5,024 patients was analyzed. Of these, 1,560 patients were treated in the hospital (31.0%). A total of 1,916 extremity injuries were found in hospitalized wounded patients. Injuries of the lower extremities were found in 1,226 patients and injuries of the upper extremities in 690 patients. Gunshot-explosive fractures of the extremity bones were diagnosed in 1,122 patients (71.9%): 735 (47.1%) in the lower extremities and 387 (25.8%) in the upper extremities. In 90 cases (4.6%), amputation of the extremities (including the fingers) using an open circular or flap technique was performed. Large amputations (above the wrist and ankle joints) were performed on 40 patients (2.6%). Amputation of the upper extremities was performed on 53 patients (58.9%), and amputation of the lower extremities was performed on 37 patients (41.1%). Injuries of the major blood vessels were treated with primary reconstruction in the upper extremities in 44 patients and in the lower extremities in 96 patients. Unstable gunshot-explosive fractures of the long bones were stabilized with external fixation, and fractures of the short bones were stabilized by means of minimal osteosynthesis or external fixation. Secondary amputations (on the lower extremities) were performed on 2 patients because of vascular insufficiency. Not a single secondary amputation procedure was performed because of infection, secondary uncontrolled hemorrhage, or gas gangrene. Amputation is a radical and irreversible intervention, and indications for amputation must be determined by those with great surgical experience and good knowledge of military-surgical doctrine.