What to Know About Amputations

In cases of trauma or disease, a person may need an amputation. An amputation refers to a removal of a limb or extremity. Ideally, an amputation would occur while you are under anesthesia, but it is possible for a limb to be torn off in a severe accident.
Serious injuries, including severing, crushing and burn injuries, can occur in a workplace or car accident. Amputations typically occur to remove an arm, hand, finger, leg, foot, or toe. However, it is possible for an ear, nose, tongue, or breast to be removed as well.
The Procedure
Amputation is often done as a planned surgery. The surgeon will remove all diseased and damaged tissues. They’ll try to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. They may need to repair individual nerves or blood vessels and file or smooth the end of your bone. They’ll leave enough soft tissue at the end of the stump to close it. If you have plans for a prosthesis, there might be extra steps in your surgery to prepare you for one.
After the amputation, you may spend a few weeks recovering in the hospital. You’ll be given pain control as needed and your wound healing will be carefully monitored. Within a few days, a physical therapist will help you with movement.
During the next few months, you’ll work with a variety of specialists to learn how to live with your changed body. Your rehabilitation will likely include:
- Physical therapy. You’ll need to move regularly to prevent stiffness. You’ll also need to learn to use your body in new ways and rely on different muscles than you used to.
- Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist helps you learn to adapt your practical life to your new body. They’ll teach you new ways to perform routine tasks.
- Amputation is a major event that will affect your life in many ways. You should have a mental health professional to talk to during this time.
Common Risks
Like any major operation, amputation carries several risks, such as:
- Infection. Surgical sites can become infected, especially if the patient has poor circulation or diabetes.
- Blood clots. Clots may form in the veins post-surgery, increasing the risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.
- Phantom limb pain. Patients often feel pain or sensations in the amputated limb, which can be chronic and challenging to manage.
- Delayed healing. Factors like poor nutrition, diabetes, or smoking can slow the healing process. You should stop smoking and eat a healthy diet during recovery.
Contact Us Today
Amputations are severe injuries that can cause pain and disability for the rest of a person’s life. If someone else’s negligence caused it. It’s important to get the compensation you need.
Amputations are life-changing injuries that can impact your ability to work and enjoy life as you once did. Contact a Mt. Juliet catastrophic injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing compensation. Fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/21599-amputation