Types of amputation
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Amputation refers to the removal of a limb or part thereof. Usually amputation is a surgical measure used to control pain or disease process in the affected limb such as infection, though in some cases an amputation is carried out on individuals as preventative surgery. Amputation should only be considered if the limb is non-viable or non-functional.
Appropriate amputation surgery can successfully remove a dysfunctional or painful limb and can reduce further threat to health, for example from gangrene, ischemia or infection. In many cases it can also allow effective rehabilitation using a prosthetic limb in order to restore function.
Different types of amputation
Upper limb amputation
Ranging from removal of part of a finger to removal of the entire arm and part of the shoulder.
Partial hand amputation
Removal of fingertips and other parts of the fingers
Metacarpal amputation
Removal of the entire hand but excluding the wrist
Wrist disarticulation
Removal of the hand and the wrist joint
Below elbow amputation – transradial
Partial removal of the forearm below the elbow joint
Elbow disarticulation
Removal of the entirety of the forearm at the elbow
Above elbow amputation – transhumeral
Removal of the arm above the elbow
Shoulder disarticulation/forequarter amputation
Removal of the entire arm including the shoulder blade and collarbone
Lower limb amputations
Ranging from removal of a single toe to the removal of the entire leg and part of the pelvis.
Partial foot amputation
The removal of one or more toes
Ankle disarticulation
Amputation of the foot at the ankle
Below knee amputation – transtibial
Amputation of the leg below the knee but retaining the knee joint
Through the knee amputations/knee disarticulation
Removal of the lower leg and knee joint
Above knee amputation – transfemoral
Amputation of the leg above the knee joint
Hip disarticulation
Removal of the entire limb up to and including the femur
Hemipelvectomy – transpelvic
The removal of the entire limb and partial removal of the pelvis
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