Causes
Traumatic amputations usually result from factory, farm, power tool accidents, or from motor vehicle accidents. Natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks can also cause traumatic amputations.
Considerations
If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation (the body part is totally severed), the part sometimes can be reattached, often when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump, or residual limb.
In a partial amputation, some soft-tissue connection remains. Depending on how severe the injury is, the partially severed extremity may or may not be able to be reattached.
Complications often occur when a body part is amputated. The most important of these are bleeding, shock, and infection.
Long-term outcome for an amputee depends on early emergency and critical care management. A well-fitting and functional prosthesis and retraining can speed rehabilitation.
Definition
Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part, usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg, that occurs as the result of an accident or injury.
Prevention
Use safety equipment when using factory, farm, or power tools. Wear seat belts when driving a motor vehicle. Always use good judgment and observe appropriate safety precautions.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Fingertip injuries and amputations. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fingertip-injuries-and-amputations. Reviewed May 2022. Accessed November 21, 2022.
Rose E. Management of amputations. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 47.
Switzer JA, Bovard RS, Quinn RH. Wilderness orthopedics. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 22.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Bleeding (may be minimal or severe, depending on the location and nature of the injury)
- Pain (the degree of pain is not always related to the severity of the injury or the amount of bleeding)
- Crushed body tissue (badly mangled, but still partially attached by muscle, bone, tendon, or skin)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If someone severs a limb, finger, toe, or other body part, you should call right away for emergency medical help.