Amputation

Amputation

Amputation

Living With Amputation

Amputation is a word that no one wants to think about. However, it is a fact of life for millions of people. Amputation of the foot usually results from the effects of a disease of the blood vessels in one's lower limb. Such blood vessel disorders can cause hardening of the arteries, poor circulation, or large clots in the arteries which cannot be removed. Other causes of foot amputation include injury, infection, cancer, or birth defects. Amputation will only be used by a surgeon as a last resort if it seems that circulation cannot be improved in any other way, or if the risk of the development of gangrene and/or severe pain cannot be avoided.

During amputation, either parts of the foot, such as the toes, or the entire foot may be removed. If one's entire foot must be surgically amputated, this usually occurs just above the knee or just below the knee, depending upon the extent of the damage to the foot and/or lower limb and the possibility of fitting an artificial prosthesis after the amputation. The most common preferred amputation is below the knee, in order to preserve the knee joint and make post-amputation prosthetic fitting and re-learning to walk much easier.

Complications of amputation include risk of blood clots and infection, and problems in wound healing. This can be exacerbated by poor circulation, which is why a diabetic's blood sugar will be closely monitored following amputation to assist in proper healing. If amputation was done below the knee but proper healing is not possible post-amputation, the amputation will have to be performed again, this time above the knee.
Following amputation, the patient can expect the wound to heal within two weeks.

Although some pain is involved, many amputees complain of a phenomenon described as phantom pain. In this situation, the amputee “feels” pain in the part of the foot or leg that has been removed. Phantom pain is more common in situations in which severe pain was present in the foot or leg prior to amputation. Usually phantom pain will disappear after a certain amount of time following the surgery.

After the wound is totally healed, prosthetic fitting will begin. First, measurements will be taken to ensure proper fit of a new prosthesis, to make sure patients will be balanced and that muscles will not be strained when learning to walk again. Learning to walk again with a prosthesis can be quite difficult and may take a long time with much physical therapy and practice.

Amputations and Prosthetics: A Case Study Approach
Amputations and Prosthetics: A Case Study Approach
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Medical College of Georgia, Augusta. Case study text for students. Emphasizes the decision-making process of the physical therapist and the role of the physical therapy assistant. Softcover. DNLM: Amputation--rehabilitation.

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  • ISBN13: 9780803608399
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Lower Limb Amputation: A Guide to Living a Quality Life
Lower Limb Amputation: A Guide to Living a Quality Life
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This is the first book to combine medical, prosthetic, and psychosocial facts about lower limb amputation into one convenient volume. The author demystifies the medical process by using plain, optimistic language and offers practical advice about how to cope with the life changes caused by lower limb amputation. Due to diabetes and an aging population, among other factors, lower limb amputation is now relatively common. Feelings of loss and grief, difficulties in learning to walk with an artificial limb, and readjustment to an interrupted life all pose considerable challenges - but countless people have successfully overcome these problems. Includes: * ways to prevent further amputation * learning to walk with a prosthesis * challenges faced by children and elderly people Well-informed, knowledgeable individuals with amputations are better able to take care of themselves and are more effective self-advocates. Here are the tools for a productive, satisfying, and high-quality life.

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  • ISBN13: 9781932603248
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A Primer on Amputations and Artificial Limbs
A Primer on Amputations and Artificial Limbs
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Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies
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The Atlas of Amputations, Third Edition, remains the definitive and comprehensive reference on the surgical and prosthetic management of acquired and congenital limb loss. This expanded and updated edition is written by recognized experts in the fields of amputation surgery, rehabilitation and prosthetics, covering all aspects from from history, to specific anatomic regions, to unique management concerns. It is well organized by anatomic structure with a special section on the pediatric population, which presents unique challenges. The most impressive aspect of this book is the extensive presentation of the various facets of this topic. The ease of navigating through the text and the up-to-date concepts make it a perfect reference text. For the generalist or occasional practitioner, this text would be a worthy reference in the medical library.

Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee
Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee
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Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee provides an insightful look at the entire spectrum of the below knee experience from amputation to rehabilitation. As a prosthetist for 22 years, author Richard Riley uses real life examples to answer many of the questions facing amputees.   The information is structured in a manner that permits quick, easy access to an array of topics. Living with a Below-Knee Amputation not only discusses the psychosocial and physical issues; it also clearly explains the role of the medical professional and the complexities of constructing a prosthetic device during each phase of rehabilitation. Images are also included to display all of the available options and components of an artificial leg.   Some topics inside Living with a Below-Knee Amputation include amputation surgery, pain, postoperative care, therapy, purpose and design, fittings, maintenance and hygiene, integration of the prosthesis, child amputees, and recreation and sports.   The unique perspective used by the author helps physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation professionals better identify and relate to their patients. By understanding the amputee’s emotions and expectations, the professional can cohesively work together with their patients to identify ways for reintegration into their lifestyle.

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Functional Restoration of Adults and Children With Upper Extremity Amputation
Functional Restoration of Adults and Children With Upper Extremity Amputation
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North Valley Outpatient Rehabilitation, Thornton, CO. Provides a comprehensive reference to the surgery, prosthetic fitting, and rehabilitation of individuals sustaining an arm amputation. Covers the recent advancements in prosthetics and rehabilitation and features abundant halftone illustrations. DNLM: Amputation--rehabilitation.

Living with Physical Disability and Amputation
Living with Physical Disability and Amputation
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This book takes an evidence-based look at the reality of the specific problems caused by acquiring a disability, and uses cognitive behavioural therapy and other methods to deal with it.

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