

The first goal is the removal of the diseased, damaged or dysfunctional portion of the limb. When facing any surgical case, the surgeon must strive towards two primary goals, both of which are critical to the success of the procedure. Only the amputee knows what it is like to lose a limb and how that loss impacts their life (ref to edition 1, 1981).Īmputation surgeons have a unique role and responsibility. Burgess has pointed out, no amount of psychological testing and evaluation can completely measure the effects of limb loss on a given individual. Even if only a portion of the limb is removed, the brain will still perceive sensations, movement and even pain in the tissues no longer physically present. Losing a limb will forever alter all these aspects of the amputee’s life. Our limbs are a major part not only of our physical being but also of our body image and our self-image. Limb loss is not only a major physical and functional loss it also presents the patient with a matchless psychological and emotional situation. This careful calculation is essential to create the most functional residual limb possible. Each tissue must heal in its own particular manner, and the knowledgeable surgeon considers each tissue’s unique role as he plots a reconstructive course. Laura Willingham, PRS).Īmputation surgery severs all the varied tissues of the limb.

The replacement limbs would be so comfortable, natural and functional that limb loss would become much less of a event, on par with the loss of an appendix or a gall bladder (ref. She would like to see medicine and science move from artificial limbs to replacement limbs. One fantastic young lady, who only recently underwent a transfemoral amputation, recently advanced a revolutionary new vision. This is how he will once again find peace and wholeness. To survive he has no alternative but to supplement his newly altered physical body with modern mechanical prosthetics in order to regain lost function. When an individual loses part of his physical self he may perceive himself as no longer whole. The individual who loses a limb faces enormous emotional, psychological and physical challenges. Loss of part or all of a limb will forever change how we move, touch, work and play. The word ‘limb’ hardly captures the sum and substance of these magnificent structures. They provide us with the invaluable capability of propulsion and allow us to move freely throughout the world. The Immedicate Post-Surgical ProsthesisĪrms and legs, hands and feet: These unique and wonderful extensions of our bodies allow us to touch, to feel and to manipulate our environment.Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Bulletin.Resident Research - Intake and Travel Award Forms.Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Interest Group.Residents Portal and Digital Curriculum.
