ABSTRACT
In the UK, most limb amputations (80%) are performed for the complications of peripheral vascular disease, especially in diabetic patients. The indications for amputations are non-viable limb, source of sepsis, threat to life, and useless limb. This chapter addresses what levels of amputation may be performed in the lower limb. Syme’s amputation (at the level of the ankle mortice), through-knee amputation and Gritti–Stokes amputation (transcondylar amputation at the level of the femur) are rarely performed. Patient-related factors, disease-related factors, and healthcare-related factors are the factors to be considered when deciding on the level at which to perform an amputation. The skew flaps described by Robinson can be used when the area of a posterior flap is compromised. The chapter explores the complications that can occur following an amputation.
