Amputation, traumatic Health Dictionary

Severance of a limb, or part of a limb, from the rest of the body. The leg is the most common site of amputation. It is usually performed as a controlled operation and may be required for a variety of reasons. In the young, severe injury is the most common cause, when damage to the limb is so extensive as to make it non-viable or functionally useless. In the elderly, amputation is more often the result of vascular insu?ciency, resulting in gangrene or intractable pain.

Sarcoma (see CANCER) of bone, muscle or connective tissues in a limb is another reason for amputation.

The aim is to restore the patient to full mobility with a prosthetic (arti?cial) limb, which requires both a well-?tting PROSTHESIS and a well-healed surgical wound. If this is not possible, the aim is to leave the patient with a limb stump that is still useful for balancing, sitting and transferring. Common types of lower-limb amputation are shown in the illustration. The Symes amputation can be walked upon without requiring a prosthesis. The below-knee amputation preserves normal ?exion of the knee, and virtually normal walking can be achieved with a well-?tting arti?cial limb. Learning to walk is more di?cult following an above-knee amputation, but some highly motivated patients can manage well. After any amputation it is not unusual for the patient to experience the sensation that the limb is still present: this is called a ‘PHANTOM LIMB’ and the sensation may persist for a long time.... amputation

A form of anxiety that develops after a stressful or frightening event.

Common causes include natural disasters, violence, rape, torture, serious physical injury, and military combat.

Symptoms, which may develop many months after the event, include recurring memories or dreams of the event, a sense of personal isolation, and disturbed sleep and concentration.

There may be a deadening of feelings, or irritability and feelings of guilt, sometimes building up to depression.

Most people recover, in time, with emotional support and counselling.... post-traumatic stress disorder

A term introduced to PSYCHIATRY in 1980 after the Vietnam War. It is one of several psychiatric disorders that can develop in people exposed to severe trauma, such as a major physical injury, participation in warfare, assault or rape, or any event in which there is major loss of life or a threat of loss of life. Most people exposed to trauma do not develop psychiatric disorder; however, some develop immediate distress and, occasionally, the reaction can be delayed for many months. Someone with PTSD has regular recurrences of memories or images of the stressful event (‘?ashbacks’), especially when reminded of it. Insomnia, feelings of guilt and isolation, an inability to concentrate and irritability may result. DEPRESSION is very common. Support from friends and family is probably the best management, but those who do not recover quickly can be helped by antidepressants and psychological treatments such as COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY. Over the past few years, PTSD has featured increasingly in compensation litigation.... post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)

The separation of a body part (usually a limb, finger, or toe) from the rest of the body, as a result of the part’s blood supply being blocked by a band of amnion (fetal membrane) in the uterus.

The affected part may be completely separated or show the marks of the “amniotic band” after birth.

(See also limb defects.)... amputation, congenital

an operation involving removal of an entire arm, including the scapula and clavicle. It is usually performed for soft tissue or bone sarcomas arising from the upper arm or shoulder. Compare hindquarter amputation.... forequarter amputation

an operation involving removal of an entire leg and part or all of the pelvis associated with it. It is usually performed for soft tissue or bone sarcomas arising from the upper thigh, hip, or buttock. Compare forequarter amputation.... hindquarter amputation

(TBI) injury to the brain due to external force, such as occurs following falls, road traffic accidents, and violence. It is a major cause of death and chronic disability worldwide, especially in young males.... traumatic brain injury

a fever resulting from a serious injury.... traumatic fever