Amputations : FOOT

FOOT AMPUTATION & PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION

FOOT AMPUTATION

Foot amputation is the process of the removal of a lower limb that has incurred damage on the skin or on a particular muscle or on some tissues due to the presence of some infection that cannot be controlled or due to the presence of poor circulation of blood. A person who develops a condition like diabetes or who has gangrene will have to opt for this type of amputation. There are cases where the infections as well as the injuries develop as a result of some very small injuries. These when left untreated can lead to the development of ulcers. These ulcers which are formed on the leg will prove to be fatal because the presence of infections like these can pose serious damage to the skin, muscles and even to the bones. If these ulcers are very severe, then the only option that is available for the person is to undergo amputation.

PARTIAL FOOT AMPUTATION

The removal of the entire limb may not be required in all the cases where amputation is necessary. The extent to which foot amputation has to be done depends on the severity of the wound as well as the extent to which the infection has spread.

In majority of the cases, only the affected toe or digit may have to be removed. In such cases, the patient does not need to go in for the use of any prosthetics. But the person may be advised to use filters. Filters are nothing but the artificial replacements that are made for the limb. These artificial filters help the amputees to regain the balance which they have lost due to amputation.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PERFORMING THE AMPUTATION

A condition where the person is suffering from blood vessel disorders of very critical nature can lead to the complete deterioration of the limbs which can worsen the pain. Gradually the pain increases. In the next stage the tissues of the limb start dying. This in turn will result in the development of severe infection which is known commonly as gangrene.

These infections or gangrenes can pose serious threats even to the life of the person. So amputating the affected limb will save the life of the person. This indicates the importance of leg amputations.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOT AMPUTATION

The major complication associated with a foot amputation is death. The other complications include:

1. GENERAL COMPLICATIONS

The amputees may develop problems like:

  • Chest infections

  • Myocardial infarction

  • Angina

  • Strokes.