Amputation and Prosthetics

Front

What is amputation?

Back

Amputation is the removal of a part of the limb or the entire limb through a bone, meaning the limb is cut through at any point along its length, not at a joint.

Front

What is disarticulation?

Back

Disarticulation is the removal of a limb through a joint, meaning no bones are cut, but the limb is detached where two bones meet.

Front

What are common indications for amputation?

Back

Common indications for amputation include trauma (e.g., road traffic accidents, gunshot wounds), malignant tumors, nerve injuries, severe infections, and peripheral vascular insufficiency.

Front

What are the two types of amputation?

Back

The two types of amputation are closed amputation (immediate closing of the skin flap) and open amputation (guillotine operation, no immediate closing of the skin flap).

Front

What is the principle of closed amputation?

Back

The principles of closed amputation include proper tourniquet use, ensuring good skin coverage, and careful division of muscles and nerves.

Front

What are the complications of amputation?

Back

Complications of amputation can include hematoma, infections, necrosis, contractures, neuromas, phantom sensation, and stump pain.

Front

What is phantom limb sensation?

Back

Phantom limb sensation is the phenomenon where amputees feel sensations in the limb that has been removed, such as itching or aching.

Front

What is the goal of the acute post-amputation period?

Back

The goals of the acute post-amputation period include pain control, maintaining range of motion (ROM) and strength, and promoting wound healing.

Front

What is the purpose of pre-prosthetic therapy?

Back

The purpose of pre-prosthetic therapy is to prepare the patient for prosthesis fitting, focusing on residual limb shrinkage, desensitization, and maintaining joint mobility.

Front

What factors are considered when prescribing a prosthesis?

Back

Factors include the patient's age, general physique, mental condition, length of the stump, circulation status, and daily living requirements.