Amputation is most often done to:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an amputation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Before the surgery, your doctor may do some of the following:
In the days leading up to your surgery:
Based on your surgery and general health, you may have:
You will be given IV fluids and antibiotics. Your foot will be washed with an antibacterial solution. The surgeon will make an incision into the skin around the area. The blood vessels will be tied off or sealed with an electrical current. This will prevent bleeding. The involved bones will be removed.
The ends of the remaining bone(s) will be smoothed. The remaining skin and muscle will be pulled over the open area. It will be closed with stitches. A sterile dressing will then be placed over the incision.
If there is an active infection, tubes may be left in place to allow fluids to drain. In some cases, the skin will not be closed but will instead be packed with a moist dressing.
You will be taken to a recovery room. There, you will be monitored for any negative effects from the surgery or anesthesia. You will be given pain medicine. You may also receive antibiotic medicines.
20-60 minutes
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. The area will be painful after the surgery. You will be given medicine to help control the pain.
The usual length of stay is 2-7 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call 911 .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
References:
Armstrong DG, Lavery LA. Diabetic foot ulcers: prevention, diagnosis and classification. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/armstron.html . Accessed June 9, 2008.
Baima J, Trovato M, Hopkins M, deLateur B. Achieving Functional Ambulation in a Patient with Chopart Amputation.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
. 2008;87(6):510-513.
Canale ST, Daugherty K, Jones L eds.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics
. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PN: Mosby-Year Book; 1998.
Canale ST, Daugherty K, Jones L eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PN: Mosby-Year Book; 2003.
Parrett B, Pribaz J, Matros E, Przylecki W, Sampson C, Orgill D. Risk Analysis for the Reverse Sural Fasciocutaneous Flap in Distal Leg Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery . 2009;123(5):1499-1504.
Sales CM, Goldsmith J, Veith FJ eds. Handbook of Vascular Surgery . Sudbury, MA: Quality Medical Publishing; 1996.
Townsend C, Beauchamp DR eds.
Sabiston Textbook of Surgery
. 16th ed. Oxford, UK: WB Saunders; 2001.
Townsend C, Beauchamp DR eds.
Sabiston Textbook of Surgery
. 17th ed. Oxford, UK: WB Saunders; 2004.
Last reviewed July 2010 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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