What is Amputation?
Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves removing all or part of a limb or extremity due to injury, disease, or infection. This procedure may be necessary when other medical interventions cannot save the affected body part.
Common Reasons for Amputation
- Severe trauma or injury
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Diabetes complications
- Cancer
- Severe infections
- Birth defects
Types of Amputation
Upper Extremity
- Finger or partial hand
- Below elbow (transradial)
- Above elbow (transhumeral)
- Shoulder disarticulation
Lower Extremity
- Toe or partial foot
- Below knee (transtibial)
- Above knee (transfemoral)
- Hip disarticulation
The Surgery Process
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Pre-operative Assessment
- Medical evaluation
- Imaging studies
- Discussion of prosthetic options
-
During Surgery
- General anesthesia administration
- Careful tissue management
- Nerve and blood vessel handling
- Bone shaping for prosthetic fitting
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Immediate Post-Surgery Care
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Preventing infection
- Physical therapy initiation
Long-term Recovery
- Prosthetic fitting and training
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance training
- Emotional support and counseling
Living with Amputation
-
Prosthetic Options
-
Physical Therapy
-
Lifestyle Adaptations
-
Support Groups
Potential Complications
- Phantom limb sensation
- Infection risk
- Wound healing issues
- Psychological adjustment
Follow-up Care
- Regular medical check-ups
- Prosthetic maintenance
- Skin care
- Physical therapy continuation