In
this Section:
Other
Sections
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After
Birth Amputations: Trauma
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Introduction | Types | Risks
| Therapy | Conclusion
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Introduction
Every year, approximately 30,000 people lose a limb each year because
of accidental amputation.
Trauma is the second
leading cause of amputation. Out of these 30,000 people, about eighty
percent are male. The majority of these amputees are also between the
ages of fifteen and thirty. The leading cause of trauma amputations are
automobile accidents, but workplace accidents, natural disasters, and
war are also among the reasons of amputations.
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Types
There are two types of amputations cause by trauma. First and foremost,
there are avulsion injuries.
In an avulsion injury, the limb is partly crushed. This occurs most often
in cases including heavy machinery and cars. A guillotine
injury, also referred to as a sharp amputation, is the opposite. Here,
the limb is severed by a straight edge, like a knife. Here the limb may
have a greater chance to be reattached, for there is less tissue damage,
unlike in an avulsion injury where the limb is crushed. Neither type of
amputation is pleasant.
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Risks
When traumatic amputations occur, there are many risks involved. To start
with, bleeding is very common due to the fact that veins are cut. Too
much bleeding is very serious and can lead to death. Infection also frequently
is a problem with amputations. Germs and bacteria can get inside of the
body and cause the patient to get very sick. Third, some people experience
shock after an amputation. Shock occurs when one does not get enough blood
flow. The person may be faint, cool, and clammy. One who is in shock may
also be confused and even unconscious. Besides having to deal with a limb
loss, those who have traumatic amputations have may dangerous side affects
that must be treated right away.
Those who are affected by traumatic amputations often must endure much
pain. The amount of pain depends on a few factors. These factors are amount
of blood loss, place of amputation, and extent of amputation. After an
amputation, there is also “phantom
pain.” Phantom pain is when one experiences either pain, itching,
tingling, and numbness where the limb once was. Very little can be done
for this since it occurs only in the mind. Many people who undergo amputations
are subject to feeling “phantom pain.” Approximately eighty
percent of those over the age of four will experience this. Amputations
cause pain to all who must endure it in various forms.
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Therapy
Those who have limbs amputated must receive therapy. First, one who is
lucky enough to have the limb replaced will require physical
therapy. Physical therapy will help one regain strength where the
limb was once amputated. Physical therapy will enable one to move limbs
again and grasp, strengthen, and improve the flexibility of one’s
once amputated part. Occupational
therapy also may be necessary. Occupational therapy helps one develop
and relearn how to do everyday functuns. In occupational therapy, an amputee
is able to learn how to live independently. This may consist of tying
one’s shoes, for example. Occupational therapy is also used to teach
those who receive prosthetics how to use the tools they are provided with.
Therapy is normally a necessity after having a limb amputated.
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Conclusion
Amputations are not a walk in the park. A traumatic incident may be detrimental
to one’s life. One is affected both physically and mentally. Amputations
can be life threatening and take much time to adapt to. Through therapy,
though, one can overcome the difficultes and challenges. It may be hard
work, but it is definitely possible. No one ever said that life was going
to be easy.
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