Amputation (orthopedic)
Learn about Amputation (orthopedic), including indications, steps, recovery, and risks.
Overview
Orthopedic amputation removes a limb segment to treat severe trauma, infection, tumors, or non‑viable tissue. The goal is a healthy, pain‑controlled residual limb that can function with prosthetics.
Indications
Severe infection or ischemia, high‑grade trauma, malignant bone/soft‑tissue tumors, or non‑functional, painful limbs.
Procedure overview
The surgeon removes the diseased or damaged segment while shaping soft tissue and bone to create a durable residual limb. Nerves are handled to reduce neuroma pain.
Recovery
Rehabilitation involves wound care, pain control, strengthening, and prosthetic training. Recovery length varies with level and overall health.
Risks and complications
Infection, delayed healing, phantom limb pain, neuromas, and skin breakdown.
Alternatives
Limb salvage procedures when feasible, including reconstruction or vascular surgery.
Orthopedic amputation removes a limb segment to treat severe trauma, infection, tumors, or non‑viable tissue. The goal is a healthy, pain‑controlled residual limb that can function with prosthetics.
Indications
Severe infection or ischemia, high‑grade trauma, malignant bone/soft‑tissue tumors, or non‑functional, painful limbs.
Procedure overview
The surgeon removes the diseased or damaged segment while shaping soft tissue and bone to create a durable residual limb. Nerves are handled to reduce neuroma pain.
Recovery
Rehabilitation involves wound care, pain control, strengthening, and prosthetic training. Recovery length varies with level and overall health.
Risks and complications
Infection, delayed healing, phantom limb pain, neuromas, and skin breakdown.
Alternatives
Limb salvage procedures when feasible, including reconstruction or vascular surgery.