Amputation: Types And Causes

Nobody wants to have a body part amputated. Even losing a toe or finger can be a life-altering experience. Your ability to move, interact with others, and be independent suffers greatly.

An amputation can happen in a variety of ways, but diseases and accidents are the primary cases. When a third party’s negligence causes a limb to be amputated, compensation may be available. Learn more about the types of amputation and causes.

Causes of Amputation

Amputation is primarily caused by disease or infection. Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, sepsis, and cancer can cause tissue to die, requiring amputation. Accidents are also a main cause of amputation. Traumatic amputations may occur due to a car crash, industrial accident, or combat injury.

Types of Amputation

Amputations can occur to remove various body parts. Even removing a finger or toe can be an intricate procedure, with arms and legs major surgery that is often done in stages. Amputations may involve the:

• Part or all of the hand may be removed.
• The arm may be removed below or above the elbow. If the whole arm needs to be removed, it will be removed at the shoulder in a procedure called shoulder disarticulation.
• There are numerous types of foot amputation. In some cases, it is removed at the ankle.
• The leg may be amputated below or above the knee. When done above the knee, the femur is cut. When the entire leg is removed, it may be done by separating it from the pelvis. In some cases, part of the pelvis may also be amputated.

Determining the Right Procedure

The surgeon will decide on the right procedure based on factors such as:

• Removing all the dead/diseased tissue
• Mobility
• Appearance
• Comfort

In a standard amputation, the limb is removed, with the muscles anchored to the end of the bone. It is then covered with skin and may be padded with soft tissue, especially if a prosthetic will be used.

In osseointegration, the surgeon will remove the limb and insert a steel implant into the leftover bone’s stump, allowing a prosthetic to attach to it. This makes walking and standing more natural.

Rotationplasty is another option. This is particularly used when a person has a tumor that requires limb removal. The surgeon removes the limb, and then any healthy tissue below the tumor is turned around and re-attached. For example, a knee can be substituted for an ankle joint.

Contact Us Today 

While most amputations are caused by medical conditions, many are also caused by someone else’s negligence, such as car accidents. If a third party caused your damages, make sure to seek compensation.

You have four years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Don’t waste time. Seek legal help from the Florida amputation injury lawyers at Meldon Law right away. We won’t back down. To schedule a free consultation today, call (800) 373-8000 or fill out the online form. We have three offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale.