Introduction
Amputation is the complete removal of a part of the body that has become injured or deformed. Amputation is a surgical process in which the surgeon removes a part and prepares the amputation site and any remaining section for the adaptation of the prosthesis. A prosthesis can be termed as an artificial body part that replaces the original. There can be prostheses of teeth, limbs, breasts, etc. This article briefly highlights what amputation is, its process, prosthesis, and reconstruction.
What Is Amputation?
Amputation is the full removal of a part of the body that has become injured or deformed. Amputation might be caused because of a traumatic injury or might be performed by a surgeon for medical reasons, for instance, because of the presence of a tumor. Some traumatically amputated body parts can be replanted or reattached, but in some cases, reattachment of the amputated finger is not possible or advisable.
How Is an Amputation Performed?
Amputation is a surgical process in which the surgeon removes that part of the body that is injured or has deformity and prepares the amputation site and any remaining section for the adaptation of the prosthesis. This is done with careful treatment of the skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and nerves so the patient can wear a prosthesis comfortably. Based on medical and prosthetic factors, the surgeon tells how much of the body part will remain.
What Can Be Expected After Amputation?
Some factors to consider after the amputation surgery are:
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Some extent of pain might be felt immediately or till some days after the surgery for which analgesics are prescribed.
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The surgical site needs to be taken care of with a proper bandage after the surgery.
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Exercises are recommended for rebuilding the strength and motion of the amputated site.
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Doctors might advise touching or moving the skin to make it sensitized.
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Follow-ups are advised.
What Is Prosthesis?
A prosthesis or a prosthetic device is designed in such a manner that it replaces a missing part of the body or makes a part of the body function in a better way. It is an artificial device that is constructed similarly to a functional device. Prosthesis is commonly incorporated whenever a part of the body is injured, is missing, or is removed in cases if cancer is found there. For instance, eyes, arms, hands, legs, or joints that become diseased or missing are commonly replaced by prosthetic devices. When teeth are placed in the mouth, known as a dental prosthesis, and when the jaw is replaced artificially, it is termed a maxillofacial prosthesis.
Prosthetic devices have become very helpful for people as they allow them to gain independence, boost their confidence, and improve their functioning or mobility by replacing the missing body parts. Additionally, it also boosts their quality of life.
Is Prosthetics Necessarily Required After Amputation?
All the people who have undergone amputation do not want or need an artificial device to replace the lost body parts. The physical medicine and rehabilitation team thinks of many aspects of life and health, including what extremity was amputated, and then decides it. Leg prosthetics can be helpful by restoring the mobility of the patient. Prosthesis for the arm can be more complex, as newer models with technology are emerging that interface with the nervous system and enable better fine motor movement.
Some factors like age, weight, fitness, and general health before the amputation are essential variables to consider. A patient older or with a chronic condition might already have restricted mobility. A heart condition might make it difficult to tolerate the physical work required to use a leg prosthesis. Children who possess congenital limb loss or malformation frequently have the stamina and energy to do very well with prosthetic units.
What Kind of Prosthesis Is Advised?
The type of prosthetic device, or prosthesis, a patient should receive depends upon the location, size, and adaptability of the amputation site and the remaining body parts and needs of the patient. To an extent, these prosthetic devices replace the function and appearance of the missing body part. The patient must inform the doctors about their requirements and activities to make and use a prosthesis efficiently. The prosthesis can be as small as teeth, a missing or amputated finger, partial or complete arm so that it can hold objects as well. In case of a complete arm mechanical or electric hand prosthesis is given to the patient.
How Is a Prosthesis Formed?
A prosthesis is fabricated from a cast that takes impressions from the remaining finger or limb and the corresponding undamaged body part. It details all the associated anatomic structures to obtain a similar prosthesis. The fabricated prosthetic limb is removed from a flexible, transparent silicone rubber-like mold. Colors dispersed in the silicone are matched to the skin tone of the patient, which provides the prosthesis a life-like look and texture of real skin.
Conclusion
Amputation and prosthetic reconstruction procedures are mostly interconnected. Amputation is carried out to remove a part of the body that has a deformity in it or is injured accidentally. An experienced team of surgeons does this. The prosthesis is a device made artificially that functions and looks similar to the original body part. This prosthesis is placed at the amputated site to replace that particular missing part. This can be as small as teeth or as big as a limb. It is placed with the support of the adjacent tissue or body part. While placing a prosthesis, various factors are considered, like the space available at the amputated site, its location, aesthetics, etc. The patient can tell a doctor about the requirements of the prosthesis. This is an emerging solution for many patients who have lost their body parts in a mishap or removed due to complications like cancer or which have become non-functional. Prosthetic reconstruction can restore the function, mobility, and appearance of the body part to an extent and make the life of an affected individual much easier.
