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Leg or foot amputation is the removal of a leg, foot or toes from the body. These body parts are called extremities. Amputations are done either by surgery, or they occur by accident or trauma to the body.
Alternative NamesAmputation - foot; Amputation - leg; Trans-metatarsal amputation; Below knee amputation; BK amputation; Above knee amputation; AK amputation; Trans-femoral amputation; Trans-tibial amputation
Why the Procedure Is PerformedReasons for having an amputation of a lower limb are:
- Severe trauma to the limb that is caused by an accident
- Poor blood flow to the limb
- Infections that do not go away or become worse and cannot be controlled or healed
- Tumors of the lower limb
- Severe burns or severe frostbite
- Wounds that do not heal
Risks for any surgery are:
- Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
- Breathing problems
- Bleeding
Risks for this surgery are:
- A feeling that the limb is still there. This is called phantom sensation. Sometimes this feeling can be painful. That is called phantom pain.
- The joint closest to the part that is amputated loses its range of motion, making it hard to move. This is called joint contracture.
- Infection of the skin or bone.
- The amputation wound does not heal properly.
When your amputation is planned, you will be asked to do certain things to prepare for it. Always tell your doctor or nurse:
- What drugs you are taking, even drugs or herbs you bought without a prescription
- If you have been drinking a lot of alcohol
During the days before your surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery. If you smoke, stop.
If you have Diabetes, follow your diet and take your medicines as usual until the day of surgery.
On the day of the surgery, most times you will be asked not to drink or eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before your surgery.
Take your drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. If you have diabetes, follow the directions your doctor gave you.
Prepare your home before surgery:
- What help will you need when you come home from the hospital?
- Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who can help you? If not, ask your doctor or nurse for help planning for someone to come into your home.
- Is your bathroom and the rest of your house safe for you to move around in?
- Will you be able to get in and out of your home safely?
The end of your leg, or stump, will have a dressing and bandage that will remain on for 3 or more days. You may have pain for the first few days. You will be able to take pain medicine as you need them.
You may have a tube that drains fluid from the wound. This will be taken out after a few days.
Before leaving the hospital, you will begin learning how to:
- Use a wheelchair or a walker
- Stretch your muscles to make them stronger
- Strengthen your arms and legs
- Begin walking with a walking aid and parallel bars
- Start moving around the bed and into the chair in your hospital room
- Keep your joints mobile
- Sit or lay in different positions to keep your joints from becoming stiff
- Control swelling in the area around your amputation
- Properly put weight on your leg. You'll be told how much weight to put on your leg. You may not be allowed to put weight on your leg until the stump is fully healed.
Fitting for prosthesis, a manmade part to replace your limb, may occur when:
- Your amputation wound is mostly healed
- Your stump is no longer tender to the touch
Your recovery and ability to function after an amputation depend on many things. Some of these are the reason for the amputation, whether you have diabetes or poor blood flow, and your age.
ReferencesHeck RK. General principles of amputations. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 9.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/10/2010
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is a leg Amputation?
basically, you cut off the leg.
What is it called when your leg is removed?
Amputation
What is the HCPCS code for leg amputation?
CRIPPLE!
Can you write a sentence using the word amputation?
Yes, I can. "Andrew underwent amputation due to the severe infection in his leg." "Amputation is the removal of a body limb."
What type of amputation commonly has the most blood loss?
leg
What reasons might a doctor suggest the amputation of a foot?
Some reasons that a doctor may suggest the amputation of a foot include severe trauma to the foot, or infection in the foot that could potentially spread throughout the body.
What was remedy for trench foot?
The remedy for severe trench foot would be amputation or staying out of the water
What must your leg do to raise your foot?
Raise your leg and your foot
What do you do when you have a broken leg?
Elevate the leg, and don't walk a lot. Call 911. The leg could have increased swelling and lead to compartment syndrome, which could in turn lead to amputation.
What was the most common surgery in the civil war?
The most common surgery was that of amputation of either an arm or leg . This was done without the benefit of anesthesia or antibiotics . Gangrene often developed resulting in the slow agonizing death of the patient .
What is the quickest easiest and least painful way to need to get an above the knee amputation?
A leg amputation is a drastic measure that is not done unless there is a very serious and incurable problem with the leg, usually gangrene. If you feel that for some reason you would like to lose a leg, you have a very serious psychiatric problem, and you need professional help.
What are the effects of a medical amputation of a front left leg of a hedgehog?
It will adapt and be fine as long as it is a beloved pet .
