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Types of Amputations
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The main differences among the types of amputation is where the amputation is located. Here are the different types of amputations:
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Lower Body
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Foot Amputations: This is most commonly a toe amputation caused by frostbite. This type of amputation will affect walking and balance.
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Ankle Disarticulation: This is an amputation of the entire ankle. However, even without the ankle, a person can move around without an prosthesis.
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Below-Knee Amputation: This is an amputation above the ankle, but below the knee. Full knee use is retained, but it is hard for these amputees to put weight on the stump.
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Knee-Bearing Amputation: This is a complete removal of the lower leg. The stump left is able to hold weight on it, but it is difficult to create a prosthetic device for the stump.
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Above Knee Amputation: This is an amputation in the thigh. The whole body weight can't be held on the stump, but a person is able to sit with this amputation.
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Hip Disarticulation: This involves removing the entire leg bone, but surgeons like to leave the upper femur for stability and a place or a prosthetic device.
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Upper Body
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Amputation of Individual Digits: The thumb is the most common single digit loss. The loss of a thumb inhibits grasping ability. When other fingers are amputated, the hand still grasps, but with less precision.
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Multiple-Digit Amputation: When more than one finger is amputated, surgical procedures are used to reconstruct muscles to help aid grasping capabilities.
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Metacarpal Amputation: This is amputation of the whole hand with the wrist still intact. The amputee is completely unable to grab.
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Wrist Disarticulation: This is a removal of the hand, but at the wrist joint. Plastic sockets are now made to serve as wrists.
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Forearm Amputation: Forearm amputations are classified by the length of the stump left. As the stump gets smaller, so does the pronation ability.
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Elbow Disarticulation: This is the removal of the whole forearm at the elbow. This amputation creates a bulb shaped stump that can hold weight.
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Above-Elbow Amputation: This is a removal of the arm above the elbow. However, if the stump is long enough, this type of amputee can be fitted just like the elbow disarticulation amputee.
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Shoulder Disarticulation and Forequarter Amputations: This is the removal of the entire arm. Just like the Hip Disarticulationsurgeons like to leave some length to the bone for stability and fitting a prosthetic device.
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