Background: Limb amputations are responsible for disability. We studied the outcomes of lower limb amputees in our daily practice. Methods: This prospective analytical study over 7 years (January 2009-December 2015) included 70 amputees of lower limb. They were mainly male (73%), aged on average of 42.4 AE 18.8 years. The mean time of follow-up was 3.2 AE 1.9 years. We assessed disability on balance, walking, disability in daily life for patients with prosthesis, and the socioeconomic impact of the amputation. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi 2 and Mann-Whitney tests; a p-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average Timed Up and Go Test was 18.5 s. Class II of Pohjolainen subjects were the most recovered (37%). The mean Houghton score in the 17 fitted patients was 6.2 AE 2.0. Socially, 90% of the patients no longer practiced leisure activities, and 4/53 patients were no longer in a couple. At the economic level, 87% of patients had a decreased monthly income. Factors that bear direct correlation to functional outcome of patients were the level of amputation, and the prosthesis fitting. Conclusion: Lower limbs amputations entail adverse consequences at the functional and socioeconomic level. Our country must review its policy on prosthetic fittings for amputees, and vote laws that involve private firms and government in socioeconomic reintegration, and empowerment of these subjects.
Introduction: The increasing number of vehicles and the proliferation of two-wheeled vehicles accentuate the frequency of fractures in our country. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of fractures in Cotonou. Materials and Methods: This prospective two-year study focused on all patients admitted to the emergency department of the National Teaching Hospital of Cotonou for a fracture injury. Results: 1794 fractures were collected in 1432 patients. Fractures accounted for 24.9% of surgical emergencies. The average age was 33.7 years (29 days -90 years). The dominance was male with a sex ratio of 3.62. Etiological circumstances were dominated by road traffic accidents (75.8%), The etiological circumstances were dominated by road accidents (75.8%), motorcyclists being the most affected (48.5%). The admission average was 27.33 hours (15 minutes -29 days). Fractures preferentially sat on the lower limbs (64.4%). In descending order of frequency, were distinguished the fractures of leg (32.2%), of the femur (19.8%) and of the forearm (14.8%). Conclusion: fractures are common.
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