Separation of the distal part of the leg from the rest of the limb that remains attached to the torso.
The cause is usually traumatic although it may be secondary to elective surgery.
When amputation is performed in the context of surgery, blood vessels are ligated to prevent bleeding before cutting tissue and cartilage. The most frequent causes are diseases that cause poor blood circulation, tumours, deformities, infections and/or gangrene.
When the amputation occurs in the context of trauma, bleeding and tissue loss are usually greater. If the limb is torn off or avulsed, the bleeding can be massive and the surgical repair very difficult. The most frequent causes are traffic accidents, work accidents and war injuries.
The treatment of choice is surgical and its priority is to save as much tissue as possible and avoid bleeding and infection. Severe cases can lead to the death of the patient if they are not controlled.
In cases of traumatic amputation, direct compression can be used to stop the bleeding until the surgical revision. If the amputated limb and the stump receive the appropriate care, its reattachment in a specialised centre can be assessed.
- Lower extremity amputation. Venkat Kalapatapu, MD. UpToDate.
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