THRU-KNEE AMPUTATION - THE OPERATION OF CHOICE FOR NON-AMBULATORY PATIENTS

Between 1983 and 1990, 32 consecutive patients had 35 thru-knee amputa tions for ischemia causing infection or gangrene of the lower leg. Twe nty-seven patients were nonambulatory, five had limited mobility, and none were considered to be candidates for rehabilitation with a prosth esis after surgery. The average age was 73 years. Thirty-day hospital mortality was 3 per cent. The incidence of complications was low, and healing was achieved in 97 per cent of survivors. One patient required revision to an above-knee amputation. Average postoperative hospital stay was 8.7 days. It is concluded from this study that thru-knee ampu tation is the treatment of choice in patients with nonsalvageable isch emic legs and in whom ambulation is not planned after operation.