What is an amputation?

Amputation is the removal of a body part—typically a leg, arm, foot, hand, toe or finger. A limb may be completely severed due to an accident or incident, or may be removed after injury because the part will not heal because of underlying disease, infection, or limb damage. In a partial removal, some soft tissue is preserved and it may be possible to reattach the severed part.

What are the statistics?

According to the National Limb Loss Information Center, there are approximately 1.7 million people in the United States living with limb loss. These include people who have lost limbs because of vascular (blood vessel) problems, cancer, trauma (including accidents) and congenital reasons. Over a period from 1988 to 1996, the number of vascular-related amputations increased, while the number of cancer and trauma-related cases decreased. The number of congenital amputations remained stable throughout that time.

What are common causes of amputation?

These include injuries sustained while riding on an airplane, amusement park ride, bicycle, car, train, bus, truck, or motorcycle. Amputations may also happen after a pedestrian accident, fire, power tool or factory accident, war, terrorist attack or natural disaster.

How do I prevent amputation?

It’s crucial to use recommended safety equipment such as a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle, seat belts in any moving vehicle, and any protective gear when using power tools or working on a factory or farm. Always follow the rules of the road using proper judgment and common sense when driving or crossing the street as a pedestrian.

What to I do if to help someone with a limb injury?

If someone you know has suffered from a limb injury that appears severed or partially severed, seek medical attention immediately. Ensure the person’s airway is clear, and begin CPR if necessary. Staunch the bleeding if possible by applying direct pressure and/or raising the injured part. Try to soothe the injured person who could be panicked, in a lot of pain, and/or in shock. Save any severed body part and gently rinse off any dirt or debris. Wrap it in a clean, damp cloth and put it in a plastic bag. Immerse the bag in cold or ice water, but do not immerse the body part directly in water. If cold water is not available, keep the body part away from heat. Bring the part to the hospital or give it to the medical team who arrives on the scene to help. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

What not to do?

• Do not focus on the body part and ignore the injured person; saving that person’s life is more important than retrieving a body part.
• Do not forget that the person could have other, less life-threatening or obvious injuries.
• Do not try to reattach any body part.
• Do not ignore any severed part because it may be too small.
• Do not use a tourniquet unless bleeding is life-threatening; the entire limb may be compromised this way.
• Do not promise that attachment is imminent or even possible.

What to expect?

Potential complications following amputation include joint problems, bruising, wound opening, healing problems, infection, necrosis at the site of the amputation, and occasionally the need for additional surgery.

As an amputee, you or your loved one will likely need to adjust and cope with a major life change. This includes both physical and emotional challenges and may require medical care, pain medications, physical and psychotherapy, and more.

If you have experienced an amputation, we can help you seek compensation that can help cover the costs of medical care, living assistance, prosthetics or other devices that can help make life easier. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll-free) or contact us online for a free consultation.