Amputation Prevention: Meaning, Causes, Types, and Tips to Prevent

What Is an Amputation?

The surgery that involves the removal of all or a part of the extremity is called amputation. The person may need an amputation if they have undergone severe injury or health conditions like peripheral arterial diseases(PAD). It may affect the person's ability to move, interact with others, work, and maintain independence. Most people live an active and healthy life after amputation but may need time to get used to it. The most common types of amputation are::

• Removing a part of the thigh, shin, knee, toes, and foot. It is said to be an above-knee amputation.

• Removing the lower leg, toes, and foot. It is said to be below-knee amputation.

• Hand amputation.

• Finger amputation.

• Removing a part of the foot. It is said to be a foot amputation.

• Toe amputation.

• Arm amputation.

What Are the Causes of Amputation?

Amputations are done to reduce the infection spread to other body parts and to manage the pain caused by the infections. The most common cause for amputation of limbs is mainly due to unhealed wounds in the extremities. The main reason for the unhealed wound is the poor blood flow to the affected part. Amputation is necessary if the doctors can not repair the limbs after a severe crushing injury. The persons may also require amputation if they have:

• Malignant tumors in the limbs.

• Gangrene(tissue death caused by poor blood flow or an infection).

• Thickening of nerve tissue(neuroma).

• Blockage of arteries(peripheral arterial disease).

• Severe injury due to any car accidents.

• Diabetes leads to non-healed wounds or tissue death(foot ulcers).

• Frostbite(freezing of skin and tissues).

• Chronic leg pain.

• Kidney failure.

• Peripheral neuropathy(damage of nerves in the feet).

• Lymphedema.

• Other vascular diseases or venous disorders.

What Is Amputation Prevention?

It is very important to preserve the limbs. Limb preservation refers to treatment taken to save the damaged limbs from amputation. Amputation is done when there is poor blood flow to the limbs which in turn causes tissue death in the limbs. Amputation prevention involves early diagnosis of the condition, improving blood flow, wound care, and treating underlying causes. Thus preventing limbs from surgical removal is said as amputation prevention.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms That Lead to Limb Loss?

The signs and symptoms which lead to limb loss include:

• Numbness or pain in the foot or leg.

• Dry skin in the foot or leg.

• A foul odor in the extremities.

• An ulcerative lesion that lasts more than 2 weeks.

• Smooth and shiny skin on the injured part.

• Ingrown or thickening of toenails.

• Swelling and redness in the injured area.

• An open wound or bleeding in the injured part.

• Discoloration of skin in the affected area.

What Are the Procedures Used to Prevent Amputation?

Surgeons usually use several procedures to prevent amputation of extremities. Some of them include

• Limb-Sparing Amputations - This procedure involves partial amputation of extremities. In this procedure, the entire limb is not removed but only a part of the limb is removed. The main goal of performing this procedure is to preserve the limb as much as possible, most importantly the functioning joint.

• Radical Debridement - This procedure involves the removal of infected or dead tissues from the wound by providing a path to the formation of healthy new tissues. This may also reduce the mortality rate by preventing the infection from spreading into the bloodstream.

• Revascularization - This procedure involves the use of guidewire, balloons, and catheters to open up the blood vessels which causes increased flow of blood to the affected limbs which in turn prevents the amputation.

What Are the Tips to Prevent Amputation?

There are certain steps to prevent the risk of amputation of limbs or extremities. Some of them are

• Paying Attention to the Body - There may be several signs and symptoms that warn the person with peripheral arterial disease and diabetes to prevent amputation. It is very important for a person to observe the signs and symptoms. Some of the most commonly observed symptoms are numbness, crack or calluses, redness, and pus formation in the affected limbs. Paying attention to the pain and other signs and symptoms may prevent a person from amputating their limbs.

• Protection of Feet - As lower extremity amputation is most common it is very important to protect the feet. The protection of feet includes wearing proper and comfortable footwear, cleaning the foot by removing dead skin, and cutting toenails to reduce fungal infection.

• Increasing Blood Flow - The major reason for amputation of the extremities is due to reduced blood flow to the affected area. Improving blood flow will effectively prevent amputation. According to some organizations, smoking plays a major role in reducing blood flow. So it is very essential to stop using tobacco products, especially in persons with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Circulation of blood can be improved by performing regular routine exercises and some activities like bike riding etc.

• Prioritizing Wound Care - It is very essential for diabetic patients to take effective measures on their open wounds as there is an increased possibility for infections in the open wound. Due to various criteria, diabetic patients are prone to slow wound healing which can lead to amputation. So it is very important to consult healthcare professionals and use advanced wound care products to reduce the risk of amputation.

• Scheduling Regular Check-Ups - Healthcare professionals are well-trained to look for nerve damage signs, bad or poor blood flow, or any other extremity problems. So it is very essential for a person to schedule a routine checkup for their affected parts to prevent their limbs from amputation.

Conclusion

Amputation prevention is essential to maintain the quality of life. It can be prevented by taking measures like attention to the body, wound care, and cleaning the dead cells. Treating the cause of the infections is essential. Infections that lead to amputation are long-term infections. So one must look after any signs and symptoms that lead to the amputation of their limbs. Reaching out to healthcare professionals immediately upon noticing the signs and symptoms may be beneficial.