[Limb amputations carried out in hospitals of the national health service in the years from 1990 to 1993].

This study was to assess the number of limbs amputations in Portugal State Hospitals over a four years period (1990 to 1993), analysing their incidence according to etiology, sex, average age, duration of hospitalization, level of amputation and mortality rate. The authors emphasise the levels of amputation which are mot favourable for an effective rehabilitation.