OBJECTIVETo determine the patterns of traumatic extremity injuries leading to amputation in Iran.

METHODSData of Iranian National Trauma Project was used to identify patients with upper and lower extremity traumas undergoing amputation. This project was conducted in 8 major cities during 2000-2004.

RESULTSOf 17 753 traumatic patients, 164 (0.92%) had injuries to the extremities that resulted in the limb amputation. Of these, 143 (87.2%) were men. The patient's mean age was 29.0 years +/- 15.4 years and the highest incidence was seen in the age group of 21 to 30 years (34.1%). One hundred and four cases were occupational accidents (63.4%). Blunt trauma was in 54.9% of the cases. The most common reasons for amputation were respectively stabbings (37.8%) and crush injuries (31.7%). Amputation of hand fingers was the most frequent type of amputation (125 cases, 76.2 %). One patient died from severe associated injuries.

CONCLUSIONSThis study shows the patterns of traumatic limb amputation in Iran, a developing country. Results of this study may be used in preventive strategic planning.

Accidents, Traffic ; statistics & numerical data ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Amputation ; statistics & numerical data ; Child, Preschool ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Iran ; epidemiology ; Lower Extremity ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Upper Extremity ; injuries ; surgery ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating ; epidemiology ; surgery ; Wounds, Penetrating ; epidemiology ; surgery ; Young Adult