Traumatic Amputation

Traumatic amputation is the accidental severing of some or all of a body part. A complete amputation totally detaches a limb or appendage from the rest of the body. In a partial amputation, some soft tissue remains attached to the site.

Traumatic amputation most often affects limbs and appendages like the arms, ears, feet, fingers, hands, legs, and nose.

Causes and symptoms

Farm and factory workers have greater-than-average risks of suffering injuries that result in traumatic amputation. Automobile and motorcycle accidents and the use of lawnmowers, saws, and power tools are also common causes of traumatic amputation.

Blood loss may be massive or minimal, depending on the nature of the injury and the site of the amputation. Patients who lose little blood and have less severe injuries sometimes feel more pain than patients who bleed heavily and whose injuries are life-threatening.

Diagnostic tests

Ultrasonography is used to monitor the patient's pulse. X-rays of both the amputated part and the stump can help determine the extent of fractures, and arteriography can help evaluate arterial injury.

Treatment

The greatest immediate threat after traumatic amputation is blood loss and hypovolemic shock. Therefore, emergency treatment consists of local measures to control bleeding, fluid replacement with sterile normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution, colloids, and blood replacement as needed.

Reimplantation, especially for straight-edged amputation, is becoming more common and successful because of advances in microsurgery. If reconstruction or reimplantation is possible, the objective of surgery is to preserve the patient's usable joints. When arm or leg amputations are performed, the surgeon creates a stump to be fitted with a prosthesis. A rigid dressing permits early prosthesis fitting and rehabilitation.

Prevention

Use safety equipment when using factory, farm, or power tools. Wear seat belts when driving a motor vehicle. Always use good judgment and observe appropriate safety precautions.

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