Amputations
By Anchal Pandey
Semester 5th
Bachelor’s of physiotherapy
• Amputation is a surgical procedure
involving the removal of a limb or
part of a limb.
Introductio • It is usually performed to manage
disease, injury, or infection that
n cannot be treated by other means.
• This presentation covers the
definition ,causes ,levels ,indications
and contraindications related to
amputation
•Amputation is the surgical
removal of a limb or part of a
limb through bone or joint. It
may be done to:
• Control pain or disease in the
affected limb.
Definitio
n
• Remove tissue that no longer
has adequate blood supply.
• Prevent the spread of
infection or malignancy.
• Improve overall function,
especially with prosthetics.
•1. Vascular Causes (most
common in adults)
•Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Causes of •Diabetes Mellitus (leading to
neuropathy and gangrene)
Amputati •Thromboembolism
on •2. Trauma
•Motor vehicle accidents
•Industrial injuries
•Crush injuries
•War-related injuries
3. Infections
•Osteomyelitis (chronic bone infection)
•Necrotizing fasciitis
•Severe soft tissue infection not responding to treatment
4. Malignancies
•Bone tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma)
•Soft tissue sarcomas requiring radical surgery
5. Congenital Conditions
•Limb deformities incompatible with function
•Overgrowth or underdevelopment
•6. Burns or Frostbite
•Irreversible tissue damage
•7. Failed Reconstructive
Surgery
•Non-healing wounds or grafts
•Failed vascular bypass
Level Description Notes
Removal of leg + part For extensive
Hemipelvectomy of pelvis malignancy
Removal of leg at hip
Hip Disarticulation No femur preserved
joint
Level of Transfemoral (AKA)
Above the knee,
through the femur
Common; more
difficult rehab
Amputation Knee Disarticulation Through the knee joint
Preserves femur;
good for prosthetics
Most preferred;
Transtibial (BKA) Below the knee
easier rehab
A. Lower Limb Amputations Ankle disarticulation; Allows some weight
(Proximal to Distal) Syme’s Amputation
heel pad preserved bearing
Chopart, Lisfranc,
Partial Foot Balance and gait
Transmetatarsal
Amputations affected
levels
Level Description Notes
Entire arm,
Forequarter
scapula, For aggressive
(Interscapulothora
clavicle tumors
B. Upper Limb
cic)
removed
Shoulder Removal at Entire arm
Amputations Disarticulation shoulder joint removed
(Proximal to Transhumeral
(Above-Elbow)
Through the
humerus
No elbow joint
preserved
Distal) Elbow Through elbow
Full-length
humerus
Disarticulation joint
preserved
Transradial (Below- Through radius Elbow
Elbow) and ulna preserved
Wrist Retains full
At wrist joint
Disarticulation forearm
Includes
Depends on
Partial Hand fingers,
digit(s)
Amputations metacarpals,
involved
etc.
• Severe trauma
• Irreversible ischemia
• Malignant tumors
Indications • Severe infections not
responding to treatment
for (uncontrolled osteomyelitis)
• Non-functional limb causing
Amputation more harm than benefit
Complicatio •
•
Phantom limb pain
Infection
ns • Poor wound healing
(post •
•
Stump neuroma
Psychological impact
amputation) • Phantom limb sensation
• Severe coagulopathy
(uncontrolled bleeding
disorder)
Contraindicati
ons for • Terminal illness
Amputation • Nonviable stump due to
inadequate blood supply
• Amputation is a life saving
and limb-preserving
procedure in certain cases.
Conclusio • While it comes with
n challenges ,early
rehabilitation and support can
improve quality of life.
Thank you!!
