Type

The type of amputation is divided into two, namely based on the amputation process and based on the area amputated. As we already know, amputation is the process of removing a part of the body that is caused by a certain disease or condition. Physical injury is one of the main reasons why someone goes through the amputation process. However, thanks to the sophistication of medical technology, many tools such as prosthetic limbs, prosthetic hands, and others can help sufferers in their activities. To find out more about amputation and its types, let's take a look below.

The types of amputation are based on the amputation process

Traumatic amputation

In a broad sense, the term amputation is certainly traumatic. However, traumatic type of amputation refers to the manner in which the amputation has occurred, for example a sudden and unexpected violent event that resulted in the loss of a person's limb. There are many ways in which this amputation can occur, from a situation that carries a high risk of harm to a person, to a sudden and unfortunate accident. Some examples of events that may lead to traumatic amputations are as follows:

Accidents involving machinery, often occur in the workplace.
Traffic accident.
Explosion.
Electric shock.
Getting stuck in a building or in a car door.

Traumatic amputation is a very dangerous and often life-threatening situation, especially if the sufferer has lost blood. However, due to the advancement of developments in medical science, the prospects for survival have greatly improved. Medical personnel are usually quick to arrive on the scene, and vehicles can transport patients by land and air.

In the traumatic type of amputation in which the limb can no longer be attached, the patient is likely to undergo surgery to reshape the remaining bone, clean the wound (debridement), and close it involving skin grafts. This condition can require more than one surgical procedure.

Surgical amputation

Surgical amputation has been an important practice in medicine for thousands of years. The most common cause of amputation is blood vessel complications. This occurs when the blood supply for the limb has been lost, and causes debilitating symptoms, called necrosis (cells in living tissue die prematurely).

This type of surgical amputation is also sometimes required after a person has suffered a traumatic injury, and this is done to save a person's life or repair their bones, even though badly injured tissue cannot be rebuilt. However, surgical amputation is usually considered a last resort, and if the limb can be saved the surgeon will do it.

Some surgical amputations are even performed years after the initial injury. For example, some people have had major joint reconstruction. However, their condition worsens over time, so joint replacement is necessary. However, because the injuries to the limbs have weakened, so the body cannot withstand further surgery so amputation is the only option left. After the surgical amputation takes place, the medical team will try to save the other injured limb, including the use of the implanted limb to function optimally.

Types of amputation based on the amputation area

1. Leg amputation

Lower leg amputation varies from lifting a part of the toe, to the entire leg and pelvis. To understand more, take a look at the following types of limb amputations:

Amputate the lower leg. This usually involves cutting one or more toes. This amputation will have an effect on balance and walking.
Ankle separation. This is an amputation of the ankle, and people are still able to move around without the need for prosthetic limbs.
Amputation below the knee. This is an amputation of the entire area below the knee that keeps the knee joint functioning.
Amputation up to the knee. This is the simultaneous lift of the lower leg and knee. The stump of the leg can still support the body's weight if the entire thighbone is preserved.
Amputation above the knee. This is a leg amputation that involves a portion of the leg above the knee joint.
Pelvic separation. This is an amputation involving the entire leg and including the femur. Sometimes doctors leave the upper thighbone and hip to have a good shape or appearance when sitting.
Hemipelvectomy. This is the removal of the entire lower limb and part of the pelvis.

2. Arm amputation

Arm amputation varies from lifting a part of the finger to the entire arm and shoulder. To find out more, let's look at the following types of arm amputations:

Amputation of the finger. The amputation can include the tip of the finger and part of the finger. The thumb is the most common part of the amputation, and losing it can make it difficult for you to grasp and pick up things. However, this doesn't mean that losing another finger won't change your life. The loss of a finger other than your thumb still allows you to grasp it, but it lacks precision.
Metacarpal amputation. This involves removing the entire finger of the hand, but still leaving the wrist intact.
Wrist separation. This amputation involves removing the hand and wrist joint.
Amputation below the elbow. This is an amputation of a part of the body below the elbow.
Elbow separation. This is an amputation of the forearm at the elbow.
Amputate the top of the elbow. This amputation involves lifting the upper arm.
Shoulder separation. This is the removal of the entire arm, including the shoulder blades and collarbone.