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Amputation

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Amputation

Amputation is the loss of a body part—usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg. A traumatic amputation is when a part of your body is completely or partially cut off due to an accident or violence. With surgical amputation, a surgeon removes a part of your body that is damaged beyond repair due to an accident, poor blood flow, or cancer.

If your condition permits, you will start receiving physical therapy soon after your surgery. At first, this involves gentle stretching and exercises to strengthen the muscles above the amputation site. Later, you will practice activities such as transferring from your bed to your wheelchair. If you have lost a leg, you may receive an artificial limb, or prosthesis. First, you practice with a temporary prosthesis, and then later you will receive a permanent prosthesis. Many people who have had amputations below the knee can walk independently with a prosthesis.

Depression after an amputation is common. People who have undergone an amputation often grieve over their lost limb. If this is happening to you, your physician may recommend counseling or antidepressant medicines, or both. Receiving emotional support from family members and other caregivers also helps. Meeting with someone who has had an amputation and now uses an artificial arm or leg can be very motivating.

Additional Resources

Publications

1. Amputation (Copyright © The Society for Vascular Surgery) - This fact sheet describes why a surgeon would need to amputate, how to prepare, how an amputation is performed, and information about recovery.

   http://www.vascularweb.org/_CONTRIBUTION_PAGES/Patient_Information/NorthPoint/Amp...

2. Amputation (Copyright © University of Virginia Health System) - This fact sheet describes amputation, what causes the need for amputation, and rehabilitation after an amputation.

   http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_pmr/amput.cfm

3. Diabetic Complications and Amputation Prevention (Copyright © American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) - This fact sheet explains why it's important for people with diabetes to be aware of possible foot and leg problems. It provides tips on how to avoid amputation.

   http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/diabetic-amputations.htm

4. Financial Assistance for Prostheses and Other Assistive Devices (Copyright © ACA/NLLIC) - This fact sheet discusses who is eligible for financial assistance and lists the organizations that can provide assistance.

   http://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/assist_orgs.html

5. Fingertip Injuries/Amputations (Copyright © AAOS) - This on-line fact sheet provides information on fingertip amputations and the different kinds of fingertip injuries. It includes first aid and medical treatments for both adults and children.

   http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=276&topcategory=Hand

6. Limb Loss FAQ's (Copyright © ACA/NLLIC) - This publication contains information about caring for and reducing the risk of amputations in addition to a list of terms commonly used when discussing amputation.

   http://www.amputee-coalition.org/nllic_faq.html

7. National Limb Loss Information Center (Copyright © Amputee Coalition of America) - The National Limb Loss Information Center (NLLIC) provides comprehensive resources for people with limb loss, as well as their families, friends, and the health care professionals involved in their lives. NLLIC is operated by the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), a national, nonprofit organization representing amputees, their families and healthcare providers.

   http://www.amputee-coalition.org/nllic_about.html

8. Phantom pain (Copyright © MFMER) - Phantom pain, or pain in a limb that no longer exists, is common after amputation. This fact sheet describes the symptoms of phantom pain, treatment, and self-care.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phantom-pain/DS00444

Organizations

1.   Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) Program, DPSP, BPHC
2.   National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, HHS
3. American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
4. American Diabetes Association
5. Amputee Coalition of America
6. National Amputation Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.