Clinical Sciences/Health Conditions
Aditya Dhariwal, BSc
Medical Student
University of British Columbia - Island Medical Program
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Heather Underwood, MD
Physiatrist
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sheena King, MPT
Physiotherapist
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Holly Hergesheimer, MOT
Occupational Therapist
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Pierre Guy, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Konrad Salata, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
William C. Miller, PhD
Professor
British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The primary cause of limb amputation in Canada are complications from diabetes and vascular disease. Clinical observations at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre suggest illicit drug use is an emerging contributor. Illicit drugs can cause vascular injury, infection and ischemia, all of which increase the risk of amputation. This study aims to determine the incidence of substance use related amputations and describe their clinical characteristics.
Objectives:
1) Determine the incidence of illicit drug use related amputations in Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).
2) Compare clinical characteristics between individuals with an illicit drug use related amputation and an amputation due to other causes.
Design: A retrospective chart review of amputation patients at VGH from January 1, 2015 – January 1, 2025, was conducted using the electronic medical record (Cerner) and databases maintained by vascular and orthopaedic services. Extracted variables include: sociodemographics (age, sex), amputation level and area (e.g. upper vs lower), and primary amputation etiology. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare illicit drug use related amputations and amputations due to other causes.
Results: Data collection is ongoing. A previous chart review of individuals with limb amputation referred to GF Strong between 2014-2023 indicated 13.6% of amputees with illicit drug use related amputation. We anticipate that the incidence of VGH illicit drug use related amputations will exceed those seen in tertiary care (GF Strong). We speculate that younger adults will represent one characteristic related to illicit drug use amputation.
Conclusion: Few studies have examined the relationship between illicit drug use and amputation. In the context of BC’s illicit drug use crisis, understanding the scope and characteristics of this issue is urgently needed. This study will provide foundational data on the incidence of illicit drug use related amputation. This will inform future studies that examine approaches to rehabilitation for this population.
