Traumatic Amputation - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part -- usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg. Traumatic amputation occurs as the result of an accident or trauma. Traumatic amputation most often affects limbs and appendages like the arms, ears, feet, fingers, hands, legs, and nose. If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation, the part sometimes can be reattached, especially when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump. There are various complications associated with amputation of a body part. The most important of these are bleeding , shock, and infection. Natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks can also cause traumatic amputations. 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. Patients who lose little blood and have less severe injuries sometimes feel more pain than patients who bleed heavily and whose injuries are life-threatening.

Causes of Traumatic amputation

The common causes and risk factor's of Traumatic amputation:

• Factory, farm, or power tool accidents.
• Motor vehicle accidents.
• Natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks.

Symptoms of Traumatic amputation

Some sign and symptoms related to Traumatic Amputation are as follows:

• Bleeding (may be minimal or severe, depending on the location and nature of the injury).
• Crushed body tissue.
• Pain (the degree of pain is not always related to the severity of the injury or the amount of bleeding).

Treatment of Traumatic amputation

• Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound, by elevating the injured area, and, if necessary, by using pressure point bleeding control. If the bleeding continues, recheck the source of the bleeding and reapply direct pressure, with help from someone who is not fatigued.
• If the victim is suffering from life-threatening bleeding, a constriction bandage or tourniquet will be easier to use than compression of pressure points.
• Try to calm and reassure the victim as much as possible. Amputation is painful and extremely frightening.
• A combination of occupational therapy, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation and psychological support generally promote a sense of well being and return the traumatic amputee to a level of independence.