Lower-Extremity Amputations Questions & Answers

Updated: Jul 26, 2023
  • Author: Janos P Ertl, MD; Chief Editor: Vinod K Panchbhavi, MD, FACS, FAOA, FABOS, FAAOS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is lower-extremity amputation?

When are lower-extremity amputations indicated?

When is lower-extremity amputation indicated in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

When is lower-extremity amputation indicated in the treatment of trauma?

When is lower-extremity amputation indicated in the treatment of malignant bone tumors?

When is lower-extremity amputation indicated in the treatment of infection?

When is lower-extremity amputation indicated in the treatment of congenital limb malformation?

What are the contraindications of lower-extremity amputations?

What are the wound healing considerations in lower-extremity amputations?

What is the anatomy of the lower limb, relative to lower-extremity amputations?

What type of procedure is lower-extremity amputation?

How do lower-extremity amputations affect the energy expenditure required for walking?

What are the technical considerations of weight transfer in lower-extremity amputations?

How are lower-extremity amputation complications prevented?

What are the mortality rates following lower-extremity amputations?

Which factors influence patient perceptions of lower-extremity amputation outcomes?

Which factors are predictive of a prolonged hospital stay following lower-extremity amputations?

Periprocedural Care

What is included in the preprocedural evaluation of lower-extremity amputations?

What is the role of lab tests in the preprocedural evaluation of lower-extremity amputations?

What is the role of imaging studies in the preprocedural evaluation of lower-extremity amputations?

What is the role of ultrasonography (US) in the preprocedural evaluation of lower-extremity amputations?

What is the role of transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurement in the preprocedural evaluation of lower-extremity amputations?

What is the role of preprocedural planning in lower-extremity amputations?

What is included in preoperative preparation for lower-extremity amputations?

What is included in the long-term follow-up after lower-extremity amputations?

Technique

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients prior to lower-extremity amputations?

What is included in preprocedure treatment of lower-extremity amputations in patients with clostridial myonecrosis infections?

What is the role of prosthetics in lower-extremity amputations?

What are the general principles of lower-extremity amputations?

How are transmetatarsal lower-extremity amputations performed?

How are transtibial lower-extremity amputations performed?

How are transfemoral lower-extremity amputations performed?

What are the types of postoperative dressings in lower-extremity amputations?

What is included in postoperative care following a lower-extremity amputation?

What are the common complications of lower-extremity amputations?

How are lower-extremity amputation wound healing complications treated?

How are lower-extremity amputation dermatologic complications treated?

How are lower-extremity amputation postoperative edema treated?

What is the role of post-operative positioning in the prevention of lower-extremity amputation complications?

What causes phantom limb sensation following lower-extremity amputation?

What causes pain following lower-extremity amputations, and how is pain managed?