AMPUTATION
Definition of Amputation:
- Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or a part of a limb.
- It is a major surgical procedure that aims to remove a damaged or diseased part of the body.
Types of Amputation:
- Transmetatarsal amputation
- Lisfranc amputation
- Chopart amputation
- Syme's amputation
- Boyd's amputation
- Guillon's amputation
- Pirogoff's amputation
- Mütze's amputation
- Traumatic amputation
- Elective amputation
- Revision amputation
Pathology of Amputation:
- Trauma → Infection → Gangrene → Amputation
- Cancer → Amputation
- Peripheral vascular disease → Amputation
- Neuropathic ulcers → Amputation
Causes of Amputation:
- Trauma
- Infection
- Cancer
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Neuropathic ulcers
- Diabetes
- Inherited conditions (e.g. neurofibromatosis)
Clinical Features of Amputation:
- Swelling and redness at the site of amputation
- Pain
- Difficulty moving the affected limb
- Infection
- Gangrene
- Foul odor from the wound
Investigations for Amputation:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Angiogram
- Blood tests (e.g. CBC, electrolytes)
- Urine tests (e.g. creatinine, urea)
Complications of Amputation:
- Infection
- Gangrene
- Wound dehiscence
- Wound hematoma
- Amputation stump problems
- Phantom pain
- Adhesions
Management of Amputation:
- Preoperative care (e.g. antibiotics, wound care)
- Anesthesia (e.g. general, regional)
- Surgical technique (e.g. guillotine, flush)
- Closure of the wound
- Postoperative care (e.g. pain management, wound care)
- Rehabilitation (e.g. physical therapy, prosthetics)
Blood Supply to the Limb:
- Arterial supply: aorta → iliac arteries → femoral arteries → popliteal arteries → tibial arteries
- Venous supply: vena cava → iliac veins → femoral veins → popliteal veins → tibial veins
Nerve Supply to the Limb:
- Sensory nerves: sciatic nerve → tibial nerve → saphenous nerve
- Motor nerves: sciatic nerve → tibial nerve → peroneal nerve
Clinical Anatomy:
- The limb consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
- The arteries and veins supply blood to the limb.
- The sensory and motor nerves control sensation and movement of the limb.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines for Amputation:
- Arnica montana: for pain and inflammation
- Symphytum officinale: for bone healing
- Hypericum perforatum: for nerve pain
- Calendula officinalis: for wound care