Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Lower Limb Amputation at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A Retrospective Cross- Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: TLower limb amputation (LLA) is the complete loss of any part of the lower extremity along the transverse anatomical plane. It is one of the oldest surgical procedures, with origins tracing back to Hippocrates and evidence of amputation dating 31,000 years ago. LLA is a common disability globally, affecting an estimated 65 million individuals, with 1.5 million amputations performed annually, 60% involving lower limbs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, outcomes, and management of LLA at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from operating room registries, medical files, and physiotherapy records. After verification for completeness and clarity, data were analysed using SPSS, with results presented in tables and graphs. RESULTS: A total of 60 patient files were reviewed. Most patients were male (68.3%), aged ≥50 years (65.0%), from rural areas (61.7%), with secondary education (41.7%), and Catholic (35.0%). The prevalence of LLA was 6.7%. Significant risk factors included age, sex, diabetes mellitus, BMI, and gangrene. Of the four amputees, 25% required re-amputation, 25% experienced in-hospital mortality, and 50% utilized physiotherapy. Psychological scores ranged from 3 to 10 (mean: 6.0), with 75% showing good psychological status and 25% fair status. CONCLUSION: LLA remains a significant public health concern, impacting quality of life. Key factors associated with LLA include age, sex, diabetes mellitus, BMI, and gangrene.