Amputation

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KEY POINTS

• Amputation is the removal of all or part of a body part such as an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, or toe.
• Amputation may be needed to treat serious infection or injury, cancer, or body tissue that is dying. Amputation may happen as the result of a car or work accident.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home. Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is an amputation?

Amputation is the removal of all or part of a body part such as an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, or toe.

When is it used?

Peripheral artery disease and diabetes related problems are the most common reason people need amputation. Diabetes can cause sores on the feet that can get severely infected and cause the flesh to die (gangrene).

A body part might be removed as treatment for:

• Serious infection or injury
• Cancer
• Body tissue that is dying because it has a poor blood supply

Amputation may also happen as the result of an injury. For example, you might lose a finger, arm, or leg in a car accident or accident at work.

How are amputations treated?

If a body part has been surgically removed, the treatment is focused on healing the wound and preventing complications.

If an amputation was accidental, the treatment depends on:

• What body part was lost
• How long it happened before treatment
• How damaged the amputated part is

If the amputated part is not too damaged and you get treatment very soon after the accident, sometimes the lost body part can be put back on the body. If an amputated part cannot be reattached or if the amputation is part of a medical treatment, then you will no longer have that body part.

You will be given antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medicines to help relieve pain. You will have physical and occupational therapy to help you recover and adapt to problems caused by the amputation.

After an amputation you may have “phantom pain,” where the pain seems to be in your missing body part. It may hurt, burn, tingle, or itch. Phantom pain may be treated with medicines or other types of therapy.

You may want to replace the missing body part with an artificial body part, called a prosthesis. There are many different types of prostheses. Some are used mainly for appearance. Others help you do things such as walk, run, or grab things, depending on which body part is replaced. Prostheses are lightweight, and can be made of plastic, metal, or other materials. The prosthesis is fitted to your body and your lifestyle to help you work, play sports, or do other activities.

What can I do to help prevent amputations?

Many amputations result from accidents that may be hard to prevent. However, some amputations can be prevented.

• If you have diabetes, you can prevent sores and other infections if you:
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry.
  • See your healthcare provider to treat corns and calluses.
  • Clean and cut your toenails carefully.
  • Protect your feet from hot and cold.
  • Wear shoes that fit properly and protect your feet.
  • Follow up with your healthcare provider for regular foot checks.
• Not smoking can help prevent poor blood flow.
• Using good safety habits when operating machinery can prevent serious injuries.

For more information, contact:

• Amputee Coalition of America
  888-267-5669
  http://www.amputee-coalition.org