Limb Loss (Amputation)
Amputation is that the removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it's wont to control pain or a disease process within the affected limb, like malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it's administered on individuals as a preventive surgery for such problems. A special case is that of congenital amputation, a birth defect, where fetal limbs are stop by constrictive bands. In some countries, amputation of the hands, feet or other body parts is or was used as a sort of punishment for people that committed crimes. Amputation has also been used as a tactic in war and acts of terrorism; it's going to also occur as a war injury. In some cultures and religions, minor amputations or mutilations are considered a ritual accomplishment.
8 Sign and symptoms you'll be in danger of Limb Loss
The most common reason for amputation of a limb is peripheral artery disease, or poor circulation. Peripheral arterial disease may be a dangerous hardening of arteries restricting blood flow putting you in danger for serious complications. Without adequate blood flow, cells within the limb are bereft of oxygen normally found within the bloodstream. Without this vital nutrient, the deprived tissue begins to die and infection may set in. Additional reasons for amputation could include:
Ø Severe injury or trauma
Ø Cancerous tumor
Ø Infection
Ø Neuroma or thickening of nerve tissue
Ø Frostbite
The Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Clinic is committed to the prompt care of patients in danger of limb loss thanks to peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and ischemia. An estimated 65% of amputations are considered preventable and prevention is our primary goal. With early detection and rapid treatment as critical steps to limb preservation the expert staff of Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Clinic offers the subsequent signs and symptoms to seem for if you've got a condition putting you in danger for limb loss:
1) Intense pain or numbness in the limb while not moving
2) Sores or wounds unable to heal or heal very slowly
3) Gangrene
4) Shiny, smooth, dry skin on the limb
5) Thickening of toenails or nails
6) Absent or weakened pulse in the limb
7) An infection in the limb unresponsive to antibiotics
What causes the need for amputations?
The causes for amputation may include any of the following:
Ø Diseases, such as blood vessel disease (called peripheral vascular disease or PVD), diabetes, blood clots, or osteomyelitis (an infection in the bones).
Ø Surgery to remove tumors from bones and muscles.
Rehabilitation after amputation
Loss of a limb produces a permanent disability which will impact a patient's self-image, self-care, and mobility (movement). Rehabilitation of the patient with an amputation begins after surgery during the acute treatment phase. As the patient's condition improves, a more extensive program is usually begun.
The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:
Ø Level and type of amputation
Ø Type and degree of any resulting impairments and disabilities
Ø Overall health of the patient
Ø Family support
It is important to focus on maximizing the patient's capabilities at home and in the community. Positive reinforcement helps recovery by improving self-esteem and promoting independence. The program is meant to satisfy the requirements of the individual patient. Active involvement of the patient and family is significant to the success of the program.
The goal of rehabilitation after an amputation is to assist the patient return to the very best level of function and independence possible, while improving the general quality of life — physically, emotionally, and socially.
Types of rehabilitation programs for amputations
There is a spread of treatment programs, including the following:
Ø Acute rehabilitation programs
Ø Outpatient rehabilitation programs
Ø Day-treatment programs
Ø Vocational rehabilitation programs
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