Limb Amputations and Prosthetics-Overview

Overview – Amputations

Pdf Summary

This chapter discusses the topic of amputations in the upper extremity. It emphasizes the differences between upper and lower extremity amputations, with upper extremity amputations being less common and often occurring at a more distal level. The chapter outlines the goals of amputation surgery, including preservation of functional length, providing durable soft tissue coverage, maintaining sensibility, and facilitating early return to work and activities. The chapter also covers general principles of managing the neurovascular bundle, tendons, bone, and soft tissue during amputations. Specific techniques for managing different levels of amputations are described, including digital amputations, ray amputations, and proximal amputations. The chapter also discusses the postoperative management of amputations, including hand rehabilitation and prosthetic options. Adverse outcomes such as neuromas, quadrigia, cold intolerance, and phantom pain are addressed, as well as the different types of prosthetics available for upper extremity amputees. The chapter concludes with key articles and suggested readings for further exploration of the topic.

Keywords

amputations

upper extremity

differences

distal level

amputation surgery

soft tissue coverage

return to work

neurovascular bundle

hand rehabilitation

prosthetic options