Amputation has a serious impact on a person’s life. When someone loses a limb or body part (usually after an injury, illness, or infection), they must learn to adapt and find a new normal.
Many terms and phrases related to amputation can be confusing, both for the average person and someone who needs to have the procedure done. Here are some clear definitions of common terms to help you better understand what they mean.
What’s It Called When a Limb Is Cut Off?
Whether it’s been surgically removed or lost after an injury, missing a limb is called amputation.
Amputations are carried out for a variety of medical reasons, but they usually follow severe trauma, advanced infections, or conditions like peripheral artery disease. Emergency amputations are sometimes required when there’s a risk that the patient could lose their life if the limb isn’t removed.
Amputation vs. Limb Loss
The phrase “limb loss” typically refers to the state of living without one or more limbs, while “amputation” refers specifically to the process of removing a limb. This distinction is important because it emphasizes the long-term aspects of the condition.
Limb loss can happen for a number of reasons, such as a car accident or illness. If someone is born without a limb, they’re described as having congenital limb loss, while someone who loses a limb in an accident is an amputee.
How To Deconstruct the Term “Amputation”
The medical term for amputation provides insight into its meaning and origin. The word combines the Latin prefix “am” (away) and “putare” (to prune or cut). As such, “amputate” literally means “to cut away.”
This straightforward yet revealing term covers a range of surgical procedures, from minor toe amputations to the removal of entire limbs. Amputation is typically used as a last resort when other treatments like medication or reconstructive surgery can’t fix the problem.
Residual Limb Definition
After an amputation, the remaining part of the limb is known as the residual limb. It contains the soft tissue, muscles, and bones that are still there after the surgery. Leaving a portion of the amputated limb is important for post-amputation recovery, especially fitting prosthetics.
The residual limb needs to be properly taken care of to avoid complications like infections or pressure sores. Amputees often work closely with their doctors to shape and prepare the residual limb for a prosthetic device. This involves therapies like desensitization exercises, compression therapy, and strength training.
What Is a Double Amputee?
A double amputee is someone who’s had amputations done on both sides of their body. This most often involves the removal of both legs below the knee or arms above the elbow. Double amputees face additional challenges in terms of their limited mobility, performing daily tasks, and adapting emotionally to the change.
Prosthetics for double amputees are specially designed to provide as much functionality and independence as possible. A double-leg amputee might use bilateral prosthetic legs with advanced microprocessor knee systems, allowing smoother walking and better balance.
Different Types of Amputation
Amputations are classified by the body part affected and how much has to be removed. Some examples include:
- Above-Knee Amputation (AKA): Removal of the leg above the knee joint, which affects both mobility and balance
- Below-Knee Amputation (BKA): A common surgery where the leg is removed below the knee joint to preserve more functionality
- Partial Foot Amputation: Often performed in diabetic patients to deal with gangrene or infections
- Upper Extremity Amputation: Includes amputations of fingers, hands, or arms
- Digit Amputation: Removal of one or more fingers or toes, usually due to trauma or frostbite
- Hemipelvectomy: A rare procedure that involves the removal of a leg and part of the pelvis
Each type of amputation presents specific challenges regarding rehab and life adjustments. As such, patients need to have personalized medical and prosthetic care.
The Medical Term For an Amputated Leg
The medical term for an amputated leg varies depending on how much of the limb was lost. A leg removed above the knee is referred to as a transfemoral amputation, while an amputation below the knee is called a transtibial amputation.
These terms help the patient’s medical team communicate more effectively about their condition. It’s also helpful for a patient to know the difference when talking to their doctors about prosthetics, therapy, and legal matters related to their injury.
Common Causes of Amputations
Amputation may be necessary for a multitude of medical and non-medical reasons. Some of the more common causes are:
- Trauma: Severe incidents like car crashes and farm accidents can cause trauma that leads to amputation
- Infection: Conditions like osteomyelitis (a bone infection) or untreated diabetic foot infections often call for limb removal
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Poor blood circulation gives rise to gangrene, which could require surgery to remove the affected area
- Cancer: In rare cases, tumors that affect the limbs may lead to amputation as a treatment option
- Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with limb deformities or missing limbs because of abnormalities in their genes
By knowing the various causes of amputation, patients can better understand the importance of preventive healthcare practices, such as managing diabetes or wearing protective gear during certain high-risk activities.
Adapting To Limb Loss
Adjusting to life without a limb comes with a host of physical, emotional, and social hurdles.
Depending on what body part had to be removed, patients could require:
- Physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the residual limb, learning to use prosthetics, and regaining mobility
- Mental health support, whether through counseling or support groups, to help amputees process their experience
- Devices like wheelchairs, crutches, and adaptive tools to facilitate healing
- Lifestyle adjustments, which might involve home modifications and learning new skills to adapt to fulfilling lives despite their limitations
Modern prosthetics have revolutionized life for amputees. Robotic joints, myoelectric sensors, and lightweight materials have made them more functional and comfortable than they’ve ever been. Custom prosthetic designs also help improve the patient’s mobility and independence.
For example, a transfemoral amputee might benefit from a prosthetic leg equipped with a computerized knee that adjusts to different walking speeds. These types of innovations continue to improve the quality of life for everyone living with limb loss.
Let Our Personal Injury Lawyers Help You Move Forward After an Amputation
If you’ve suffered an injury that led to an amputation, legal help is available. The compassionate team at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys proudly advocates for those affected by these catastrophic injuries. You can contact us online or call (800) 292-1979 today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild your life.
