Traumatic amputation is when a limb is severed in an
accident, animal attack, land mines or another dangerous situation.
Limbs might be amputated during surgery due to infections
such as gangrene or frostbite, to lessen pain caused by the limb, deformed
limbs or when there is no other option but to amputate during surgery due to
complications in severe limb injuries. Illnesses such as diabetes or bone
infections may lead to serious complications leaving no choice but for an
amputation to be performed.
Of the 6.7 billion people living on the planet 10 million of
them are amputees. Amputations of the leg are the most common of all types of
amputations while an amputation of the entire lower body is the rarest.
Types of amputations
Amputations mainly fall into two different groups known as
‘upper limb amputations’ and ‘lower limb amputations.’ Lower limb amputations
are the most common especially in older people due to illnesses such as
diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Upper limb amputations are rarer and
more common in the younger generation usually due to being involved in a
serious accident.
There is also a group of amputations known as bilateral or
trilateral which refers to multiple amputations. A seldom performed surgery and
extreme amputation called hemicorporectomy or translumbar amputation involves
the removal of the entire body below the waist, including the legs, pelvic bone
and urinary system.
Upper limb amputations
Hand or partial hand amputation – removal of fingers, fingers tips or thumb.
Wrist disarticulation – removal of the hand at the wrist.
Elbow disarticulation – removal of the entire forearm from the elbow.
Trans-humeral amputation – removal of the arm from above the elbow.
Shoulder disarticulation and fore-quarter amputation – removal of the entire arm including the shoulder and collar bone.
Partial foot – removal of toes.
Ankle disarticulation – removal of the foot at the ankle.
Below the knee – removal of the leg above the ankle but
below the knee.
Knee disarticulation – removal of the entire leg including
the knee.
Above knee amputation– removal of the lower leg including
the knee and made at thigh level.
Hip disarticulation – removal of the entire leg.
Prosthetics, crutches and wheelchairs
Amputees have a variety of options to help them get on with
their daily grind. Crutches help those with the loss of a lower limb amputation
get around. Wheelchairs also offer a means of moving about for people with lower
limb amputations. Many people take the route of getting a prosthetic to replace
their amputated limb. Futuristic looking bionic arms and legs are also a way of
replacing the function of amputated limbs.
Feelings associated with amputation
Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, loss and grief, PTSD and
feeling socially withdrawn, among others, are emotions and mental health issues
often connected with the news of an amputation. The fear of the unknown along
with stress related issues are also common feelings experienced by those due
for an amputation. Others have gone through the same experience and there are ways
to get through this ordeal.
Counselling is sometimes suggested as well as gaining
emotional support from loved ones. Face the emotions of the grieving process as
they surface. Do not isolate yourself from those around you as this leads to
loneliness and more mental health issues. Perhaps volunteer within the
community as this brings on a sense of giving back, making one feel more fulfilled.
With the right attitude and the support of those around you, a state of
acceptance and happiness can be reached.
Phantom sensations and pain
An estimated 50 – 80% of amputees report the feeling of
phantom pain or phantom sensations at some point. Phantom sensations refers to
the feeling that the body part that was amputated is still there. Phantom pain
is when ones amputated limb is painful, which often itches, burns, cramps or
aches. These pains or sensations may also happen after the removal of body
parts other than the limbs such as the removal of an eye.
It is thought that these unique sensations and pains have to
do with a neural map that one’s brain has of their body, which sends
information to the rest of the brain about limbs despite their lack of
existence.
Phantom pains are dealt with by the amputee taking
prescribed medication, desensitization or limb wrapping.
Read the personal stories about Charl who lost his eye in a brutal attack, and Sara who had her leg amputated due to illness.
-Keira
-Keira
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