A disturbing statistic reveals “on average there are 3 million amputees in the U.S. every year” (“Facts about Amputations”). “Limb amputation is one of the most ancient of all surgical procedures with a history of more than 2,500 years” (Phillipo). Many individuals are affected by amputations worldwide. Through thorough research on this procedure, one finds out what amputations are, different causes, the surgical process, and rehabilitation. “Amputation is the intentional surgical removal of a limb or body part” (“Amputation-Medical-dictionary”). Most of the time an amputation occurs to remove a small body part rather than an entire limb (“Amputation-Medical-dictionary”). “Arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes can be amputated” (“Amputation-Medical-dictionary”).
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The main reason in the United States would be different types of diseases (“Causes of Amputation”). On average 70% of amputations are performed on Americans caused by diseases (“Causes of Amputation”). The two most common of these diseases would be vascular disease and diabetes (“Causes of Amputation”). Another disease following the two would be PAD, also known as peripheral arterial disease, which causes hardening of the arteries (“Amputation”). The percentage of people who undergo amputations due to trauma on average is 22% (“Causes of Amputation”). Trauma usually occurs in motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents (“Causes of Amputation”). Congenital malformation or birth defects cause 4% of Americans needing an amputation (“Causes of Amputation”). When either of the two occurs it causes a limb to be shorter than the other or no limb at all (“Causes of Amputation”). Tumors also cause 4% of Americans to need an amputation (“Causes of Amputation”). Upper-extremity amputations are one of the less common known amputations but are usually caused by trauma and birth defects (“Causes of Amputations”). Most amputations require a tedious procedure to be done …show more content…
The stump is moved often to encourage good circulation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are started as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours. Studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between early rehabilitation and effective functioning of the stump and prosthesis. […] Rehabilitation is a long arduous process, especially for above the knee amputees. Twice daily physical therapy is not uncommon. In addition, psychological counseling is an important part of rehabilitation. Many people feel a sense of loss and grief when they lose a body part.
The main reason in the United States would be different types of diseases (“Causes of Amputation”). On average 70% of amputations are performed on Americans caused by diseases (“Causes of Amputation”). The two most common of these diseases would be vascular disease and diabetes (“Causes of Amputation”). Another disease following the two would be PAD, also known as peripheral arterial disease, which causes hardening of the arteries (“Amputation”). The percentage of people who undergo amputations due to trauma on average is 22% (“Causes of Amputation”). Trauma usually occurs in motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents (“Causes of Amputation”). Congenital malformation or birth defects cause 4% of Americans needing an amputation (“Causes of Amputation”). When either of the two occurs it causes a limb to be shorter than the other or no limb at all (“Causes of Amputation”). Tumors also cause 4% of Americans to need an amputation (“Causes of Amputation”). Upper-extremity amputations are one of the less common known amputations but are usually caused by trauma and birth defects (“Causes of Amputations”). Most amputations require a tedious procedure to be done …show more content…
The stump is moved often to encourage good circulation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are started as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours. Studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between early rehabilitation and effective functioning of the stump and prosthesis. […] Rehabilitation is a long arduous process, especially for above the knee amputees. Twice daily physical therapy is not uncommon. In addition, psychological counseling is an important part of rehabilitation. Many people feel a sense of loss and grief when they lose a body part.