Amputation

Amputation is the surgical removal of a part of the body as a result of a traumatic injury or disease conditionssuch as Diabetes or Peripheral vascular disease (PAD).

Amputation may be performed if:

• There are wounds on your leg which do not heal
• There is poor blood flow to the limb
• Severe trauma or injury is caused to the limb due to an accident
• There is a tumor in your limb
• Severe burns which have badly affected the limb

Surgery for limb amputation is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the affected limb or apart of the limb based on the extent of damage. The surrounding tissues and muscles which are damaged are also removed. The healthy tissues and areas of healthy bone are smoothed, blood vessels and nerves are sealed, and the muscles are shaped to facilitate the addition of artificial limbs if applicable.

Like all surgeries, amputation may be associated with a few complications such as:

• Loss of range of motion in the surrounding joints of the amputated limb
• Infection at the site of the surgery
• Improper wound healing after amputation
• Feeling that the leg is not amputated