Postoperative dressing is rigid plaster of paris cast. The factors affecting the outcome in terms of healing include those directly related to the local blood supply. Patients with palpable popliteal pulses, and those with diabetes showed a tendency to quicker healing. Clinically detected myocardial disease significantly predisposes poor outcome. Patients whom undergo previous vascular surgery will tend to have a better outcome.
High haematocrit indicates a greater likelihood of re-amputation.
Back to index. It is clearly evident that the main primary causes of below-knee amputation are systemic disease, ischaemia, peripheral neuropathy and trauma. A number of pathways can be formulated incorporating the various factors contributing to the deterioration of the limb. The diabetic population are clearly at a greater risk of amputation due to increased incidence of multiple systemic disease states. Below-knee amputations are favoured over above knee amputations as they offer a greater chance of rehabilitation, therefore allowing the patient to maintain an active, mobile lifestyle.