Separation of the distal part of the arm from the rest of the limb, which remains attached to the torso.
The cause is usually traumatic, although it may be secondary to elective surgery.
When an amputation is performed during surgery, blood vessels are tied to prevent bleeding before tissue and cartilage are cut away. The most common causes are diseases that cause poor circulation, tumours, deformities, infections and/or gangrene.
If the amputation is due to trauma, there is usually more bleeding and tissue loss. If the limb is torn or avulsed, the bleeding can be massive and surgical repair very difficult. The most common causes are road traffic accidents, industrial accidents and war injuries.
The treatment of choice is surgical, and the priority is to save as much tissue as possible and prevent bleeding and infection. Severe cases can be fatal if not controlled.
In cases of traumatic amputation, direct compression can be used to control bleeding until surgical revision. If the amputated limb and stump are properly cared for, reattachment can be considered in a specialised centre.
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