An amputation is a removal of all or a portion of a limb. A doctor may recommend this surgery approach due to chronic disease or a traumatic injury. Advancements in preventive techniques

have meant the rates of amputations overall have decreased in the United States, according to 2020 research. However, amputations related to chronic conditions like diabetes have remained

the same or sometimes higher. While amputations are understandably sometimes tough to think about, they can be life saving. Keep reading to find out more about amputation types, risks, and

recovery. What are the different types of amputations? Doctors typically divide amputation types first into upper amputations and lower amputations. Upper amputations involve the fingers,

amputation through the wrist. * TRANSRADIAL. An amputation below the elbow. * ELBOW DISARTICULATION. Amputation through the elbow or at elbow level. * TRANSHUMERAL. Amputation above the

elbow. * SHOULDER DISARTICULATION. Amputation at the shoulder. LOWER EXTREMITY * TOE AMPUTATION. Removal of one or more toes. * MIDFOOT AMPUTATION. Removal of the toes and half of the foot,

with the heel and ankle joint remaining. Also called a transmetatarsal amputation (TMA). * TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION. Also known as a below-knee amputation. * KNEE DISARTICULATION. Also known

as a through-knee amputation. * TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATION. An amputation above the knee. * HIP DISARTICULATION. An amputation in the area of the hip joint. * HEMIPELVECTOMY. An amputation of

the entire leg and portion of the pelvis to the sacrum. Why is amputation sometimes necessary? According to 2020 research, the largest percentage of amputations are related to chronic

disease that impairs blood flow and affects bone tissue. However, there are additional amputation causes. AMPUTATIONS RELATED TO BLOOD FLOW CONDITIONS Chronic disease and infection can lead

to interrupted blood flow that jeopardizes a limb. When this is the case, a doctor may recommend amputation to preserve as much of the limb as possible. Chronic conditions are a leading

cause of lower extremity amputations. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) estimates that 93.4 percent of all lower extremity amputations are related to

vascular disease. This includes conditions such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease. The most common lower extremity amputations related to blood flow conditions are: * toe (33.2

percent) * transtibial (28.2 percent) * transfemoral (26.1 percent) * foot amputations (10.6 percent) Amputations due to chronic disease are associated with 5-year mortality rates that are

higher than some cancer types. This is because the need for amputation in many instances can indicate a person’s medical condition or overall health is worsening. Enhancing a person’s

healthcare and overall health are excellent goals after amputation. CANCER-RELATED AMPUTATIONS Cancer-related amputation accounts for 0.8 percent of total amputations. This is often due to

bone cancer or cancer that has metastasized to the bone. However, cancer is the most common amputation cause for those between the ages of 10 and 20. TRAUMATIC AMPUTATIONS Injuries and

trauma can lead to amputations. An estimated 5.8 percent of lower limb amputations are related to trauma. This can include injuries from car accidents and workplace-related accidents. The

Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 6,200 work-related amputations happened in the United States in 2018. More than 58 percent of these involved using some type of machinery,

particularly metal and woodworking machinery. Amputation statistics Although you’ve already read some statistics related to amputation, here are a few more to consider from the Amputee

Coalition, a nonprofit organization for amputees. They illustrate that if you or a loved one requires an amputation, you are not alone. In the United States: * An estimated 2.1 million

people are living with limb loss. * More than 507 people lose a limb each day. * An estimated 3.6 million people are projected to be living with limb loss by 2050. * The most common age

range for amputations is 45 to 64 (46 percent of Americans). The second most common range is 65 to 84 (36 percent of Americans). * Men experience limb loss in significantly higher numbers

than women — 69 percent of amputees are men, while 31 percent are women. * Upper limb amputations are less common than lower limb ones (35 percent upper limbs versus 65 percent lower limbs).

Those with diabetes are 8 to 24 times more likely to undergo a lower limb amputation than those who do not have diabetes, according to the AAPMR. There are also significant racial

disparities related to amputations. The Amputee Coalition says African Americans are four times as likely as white Americans to have an amputation. Experts are not sure why African Americans

might have a higher risk, but this is likely due to social conditions rather than biological factors. How amputations affect the body Because amputation removes a portion of the body that

was naturally present, it’s easy to wonder how this affects your overall health. There are undeniably effects that can occur due to amputation. It’s important to work with your doctor and

physical therapist to minimize these effects whenever possible. Examples include: * changes in your center of gravity and balance * increased risk of arthritis in your remaining limb (if

applicable) because it often has to increase its workload * back pain due to changes in the body’s positioning for lower limb amputees Often, the effects of an amputation are related to

where it is and your overall health. AMPUTATION COMPLICATIONS Amputations are surgical procedures that have risks involved. Also, if the amputation was the result of trauma or infection, you

may have other medical conditions to recover from as well. This can complicate recovery after amputation. According to the AAPMR, some of the most common amputation complications include: *

infection * pinched nerve * phantom limb sensation and pain (feeling as if the limb is still there, even if it isn’t) * residual limb pain Another complication is joint contracture. This is

when the remaining muscles, tendons, and other tissues tighten so much that you can’t move the remaining joint. Amputation healing time and recovery tips Amputation healing times can vary

by the event that caused the amputation and the amputation site. For example, amputations due to chronic conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease may take longer to heal.

Blood flow and wound healing are already impaired by these conditions, which may extend recovery times. A small 2018 study suggests it likely takes less time to recover from a toe amputation

than a leg amputation. A surgeon should help you determine your expected recovery period. Some tips to help the recovery process: * Follow wound care instructions carefully. Most surgical

incision sites should be kept clean and dry. Notify your doctor if you experience significant drainage or infection signs. * Take medications such as antibiotics as prescribed. This can help

prevent surgical site infections. * Participate in physical therapy as you are able to keep muscles strong and tendons and other tissues mobile. It can take time to regain function after an

amputation. Some individuals undergoing leg amputations reported it took as many as 6 months to regain their functional independence. Where do amputated limbs go? If you are wondering where

amputated limbs go, you aren’t alone. Especially if you’re about to undergo an amputation, it’s fairly common to ask questions about how and where these limbs are disposed of. A 2019 study

described four potential destinations for your limb after the procedure. The limb could be: * sent to a biohazard crematoria where it is destroyed * donated to a medical college for use in

dissection * sent to a pathologist for testing, such as for cancer cells or infection * returned to you if you have a proven religious need to retain the limb If you are unsure where your

limb is going, you can ask your surgeon. LIVING WITH AMPUTATIONS Healthcare professionals associate a strong support network with improved outcomes after amputation. Finding comfort with

family and friends as well as community resources can help you navigate life after an amputation. Places where you can find help after an amputation include: * Amputee Coalition National

Limb Loss Resource Center, where you can call toll-free 888-267-5669, extension 1. They also offer virtual support groups. * Hanger Clinic, which offers a peer support program and online

community called AMPOWER. They also have a YouTube channel on issues related to limb loss. * Wounded Warrior Project for injured military members, their caregivers, and their loved ones. You

can also contact your local hospital for support groups that meet in person in your area. Takeaway Amputations can occur for many reasons, but most are related to chronic medical conditions

that affect blood flow. If you do require an amputation, your surgeon should explain the type and recovery expectations to you before the procedure. There are many support groups available

for those who’ve had an amputation. Many of them offer free online or in-person resources.