Overview
Amputation is the removal of all or part of a limb. Two kinds of amputation exist. An acquired amputation is the loss of a limb due to disease or trauma. A traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part due to an accident.
Detailed Description
Amputations are performed when a limb is no longer viable, and because of the persistence of gangrenous infection, presents a threat to the patient’s medical health. Physicians do not amputate limbs unless it is necessary for the patient’s survival. Among wound patients, diabetic foot ulcer patients are at the highest risk for needing an amputation.
Proper wound management greatly reduces a patient’s risk of requiring an amputation. Caring for a patient’s overall health and vigilant monitoring of the skin, feet, and nails can help diabetic foot ulcer patients prevent foot ulcers, or catch them early enough to ward off serious threat to their health. In addition, proper management of diabetes mellitus can reduce a patient’s risk of foot ulcers and amputation.
Last updated: 19-May-04
