سؤال لأطباء المنبر

Quote: Amputation Procedure (Surgical Removal of an Extremity or Limb) Procedure overview What is amputation? Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves removal of an extremity or limb (leg or arm) or a part of a limb (such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand), usually as a result of injury, disease, infection, or surgery (to remove tumors from bones and muscles). Amputation of the leg (above and below-knee) is the most common type of amputation procedure performed. Why are amputations done? The most common reason for an amputation is poor circulation. The lack of circulation is caused by narrowing of or damage to the arteries (also known as peripheral arterial disease). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which most frequently occurs in persons between the ages of 50 to 75 years, usually results from diabetes or atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque inside the artery wall). When the blood vessels become damaged and the blood flow is impaired to the extremities, the tissue starts to die and may become infected. Advanced peripheral arterial disease is generally treated through other methods. However, amputation may be necessary for some individuals. Peripheral vascular disease with or without diabetes is the most common indication for amputation. PAD-related causes account for up to 90 percent of all amputations. Other indications for amputation include a traumatic injury, such as severe burn or accident, or a cancerous tumor in a limb. Trauma is the leading indication for amputations in younger persons. Amputation may also be performed for acute or chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics or surgical debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue). In some cases, an amputation procedure may be performed due to neuroma (a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body), frostbite, or arterial blockage.