Complications Post Amputation: Difference between revisions

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== Oedema  ==
== Oedema  ==
Stump oedema occurs as a result of trauma and the handling of tissues during surgery <ref name="bapcar">BACPAR post operative oedema guidance 2012</ref> . After amputation, there is an imbalance between fluid transfer across the capillary membranes and lymphatic reabsorption <ref name="airaksinen">Airaksinen, O., Kolari, P.J., Herve, R. and Holopainen, R. (1988) Treatment of post- traumatic oedema in lower legs using intermittent pneumatic compression. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 20(1), pp.25-28</ref>&nbsp;. This, in combination with reduced muscle tone and inactivity, can lead to stump oedema.<br>The complications that can arise from stump oedema include wound breakdown, pain, reduced mobility and difficulties with prosthetic fitting .<ref name="engstrom">Engstrom, B and Van de Ven, C (1999). Therapy for Amputees. Churchill Livingstone.</ref><br>


== Wounds and Infection<br> ==
== Wounds and Infection<br> ==

Revision as of 19:38, 26 February 2015

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

As with any surgery, having an amputation carries a risk of complications. Surgeons will aim to reconstruct the limb to the best of their ability, taking into account soft tissue viability, bone length and other anatomical considerations. However, underlying disease state and post-operative management can result in complications, the most common of which are:

  • Oedema
  • Wounds and infection
  • Pain
  • Muscle weakness and contractures
  • Joint instability
  • Autonomic dysfunction

Oedema[edit | edit source]

Stump oedema occurs as a result of trauma and the handling of tissues during surgery [1] . After amputation, there is an imbalance between fluid transfer across the capillary membranes and lymphatic reabsorption [2] . This, in combination with reduced muscle tone and inactivity, can lead to stump oedema.
The complications that can arise from stump oedema include wound breakdown, pain, reduced mobility and difficulties with prosthetic fitting .[3]

Wounds and Infection
[edit | edit source]

Pain[edit | edit source]

Muscle weakness, muscle contractures and joint instability[edit | edit source]

Autonomic Dysfunction[edit | edit source]

References
[edit | edit source]

  1. BACPAR post operative oedema guidance 2012
  2. Airaksinen, O., Kolari, P.J., Herve, R. and Holopainen, R. (1988) Treatment of post- traumatic oedema in lower legs using intermittent pneumatic compression. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 20(1), pp.25-28
  3. Engstrom, B and Van de Ven, C (1999). Therapy for Amputees. Churchill Livingstone.