Amputation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. It's often used as a last resort treatment option when a limb is severely damaged or diseased.

Index finger amputation

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Amputation is a major operation that has serious physical and psychological implications. However, it can be a life-saving procedure in cases where the limb is posing a threat to the patient's life, as with certain types of cancer or severe infection.[1]

Reasons for Amputation[edit | edit source]

  • There are several reasons why an amputation might be necessary:
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Cancer in the bone or muscle of the limb
  • Severe injury
  • Serious infection that does not get better with antibiotics or other treatment
  • Neuroma (nerve tumor)
  • Frostbite[2]

Types of Amputation[edit | edit source]

  • Amputations can be classified by the part of the body that is removed:
  • Leg Amputations: Includes foot, below-knee, above-knee, and hip-level amputations.
  • Arm Amputations: Includes hand, below-elbow, above-elbow, and shoulder-level amputations.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During an amputation, the surgeon removes the diseased limb and any damaged tissue. They will also try to preserve as much healthy skin, blood vessels, and nerves as possible to help speed recovery and optimize the function of the limb with a prosthesis.[3]

Rehabilitation[edit | edit source]

After amputation, patients usually undergo physical and occupational therapy to regain strength, mobility, and independence. Psychological support is also essential as many patients may experience grief and depression after the loss of a limb.[4]

Prosthetics[edit | edit source]

Prosthetic limbs can often provide a high level of function and quality of life for individuals after amputation. Prosthetic technology has advanced considerably, with modern prosthetics offering increased mobility, functionality, and lifelike appearance.[5]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Ziegler-Graham K, MacKenzie EJ, Ephraim PL, Travison TG, Brookmeyer R. Estimating the prevalence of limb loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89(3):422–429.
  2. ↑ Dillingham, T. R., Pezzin, L. E., & MacKenzie, E. J. (2002). Limb amputation and limb deficiency: epidemiology and recent trends in the United States. Southern medical journal, 95(8), 875-884.
  3. ↑ Borggreve, A. S., Mureau, M. A., & Hofer, S. O. P. (2013). Comparative long-term quality of life in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for limb preservation. Journal of reconstructive microsurgery, 29(01), 53-61.
  4. ↑ Horgan, O., & MacLachlan, M. (2004). Psychosocial adjustment to lower-limb amputation: a review. Disability and rehabilitation, 26(14-15), 837-850.
  5. ↑ Ziegler-Graham, K., MacKenzie, E. J., Ephraim, P. L., Travison, T. G., & Brookmeyer, R. (2008). Estimating the prevalence of limb loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 89(3), 422-429.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD