Amputation is the surgical removal of a part of the body, a limb (arms or legs) or part of a limb. A person may also be born with the absence of a limb or digit such as fingers or toes, which is referred to as congenital amputation.
Amputations are a common result of trauma such as accidents, or can be related to complications of disease such as:
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- infection
- cancer.
Symptoms and characteristics
Amputations can occur at any level in the arm or leg, for example, leg or arm or finger or toe. Levels of amputation are referred to by site, such as, above/below elbow, or above/below/through knee.
The location of amputation can also determine whether prosthetic limbs (artificial replacement) can be used and some upper limb prostheses can provide a return of function. For instance, with lower limb amputations, prostheses can assist with independent walking.
Following amputations, often an image of the original limb or digit remains with the person. That is, the person still pictures their limb to be present, which can result in falls or accidents. ‘Phantom pain’ is also common and is often difficult to correct where sensation or discomfort continues to be experienced in the missing limb or digit following amputation.
For more information on symptoms and characteristics, follow these links:
Statistics
The amount of medically required amputations due to complications of vascular disorders is increasing.
Estimates are that between 50 and 80 per cent of people with amputations will experience ‘phantom pain' (Sherman 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The length and degree that an amputation affects a person's functioning at work depends on:
- the type and level of amputation
- whether a prosthesis is to be used
- the person’s psychological status, that is, their capacity to cope and adapt to the amputation
- the person’s individual job requirements.
For example, amputation of the thumb can result in a considerable reduction in a person’s capacity to perform tasks involving manual dexterity due to the major role the thumb has in gripping objects.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
Case studies and success stories
For employers and managers:
For job seekers and employees:
For service providers:
References
Glanze, W.D. (ed) 1990, Mosby’s Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary, 3rd edn., C.V. Mosby Company, St Louis.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 25 February 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.
Sherman, R.A 2007, Phantom Limb Pain, Biofeedback Foundation of Europe, Amersfoort, viewed 25 March2007, <http://www.bfe.org/protocol/pro05eng1.htm>.