Amputation level

Amputation (from Latin Amputatio), the name "subtraction" is also used - an operation involving the removal of an organ or its part. This name is used primarily in relation to an operation to remove the upper or lower limb that involves cutting the bone and creating a stump. Limb amputations are determined from the height at which the removal takes place, e.g. a femoral amputation is a leg removal at the thigh level with the intersection of the femur. Amputation is one of the oldest surgical procedures known already in antiquity. In orthopedic nomenclature, we distinguish amputations and disarticulation of the joint. Amputation - a surgical procedure involving the removal of an organ or its part. Examples include the trans-tibial amputation and trans-femoral amputation. Disarticulation - removal of a limb is carried out by splitting the bones in the joint, not cutting it. Examples include disarticulation in the wrist joint, disarticulation in the knee joint, and disarticulation in the hip joint .Hemipelvectomy - Amputation with partial resection of the pelvis and the iliac plate. It is most often necessary in the case of cancer. Prosthetic equipment may be a prosthesis of the entire lower limb with artificial hip. It requires a lot of energy while walking. Disarticulation in the hip joint - Disarticulation with the removal of the limb in the hip joint, without cutting the bone. Necessary most often for disease reasons - cancer, less often traumatological. Prosthetic equipment may be a prosthesis of the entire lower limb with artificial hip. It requires a lot of energy while walking. Short Thigh Stump - Amputation through the femur, keeping less than 35% of its length. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a thigh prosthesis. In some cases, additionally used for stabilization of the iliac splint or iliac arch. Significantly reduced functionality when walking. In most cases, a flexion contracture occurs, along with rotation and  abduction of the stump to the outside.Medium length thigh stump - Amputation through the femur with 35-60% of its length. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a thigh prosthesis. Moderate performance of stump when walking. Commonly used, because the length used in the planned amputation allows for any choice of prosthetic components and prosthetic socket. Long thigh stump - Amputation through the femur with more than 60% of its length. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a thigh prosthesis. Moderate performance of stump when walking. Rarely seen due to the absence of muscles in the distal part of the stump. Stumps usually have a conical shape with a strongly emphasized femur at thetop. Disarticulation in the knee joint - Disarticulation with removal of the limb in the knee joint, without cutting of the bone. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a thigh prosthesis. For walking, the most efficient stump of the amputation is at the level of the thigh. Problems with the selection of the prosthetic knee joint due to the short distance from the stump to the axis of rotation of the knee joint. Short shin stump - Amputation through the tibia, complete removal of the fibula occurs. Less than 25% of the length of the tibia is preserved. The main goal is to preserve the knee joint. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a lower leg prosthesis. Difficulty controlling the prosthesis when walking. The prosthesis is usually equipped with a thigh cuff. In most cases, there is a flexion contracture in the knee joint and lateral instability of the knee joint.Medium length shin stump - Amputation through the fibula and tibia with 25-45% of its length remaining. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a lower leg prosthesis.For walking, the most efficient stump of the amputation is at the level of the lower leg. Commonly used, because the length used in the planned amputation allows for any choice of prosthetic components and prosthetic socket. Long shank stump - Amputation through the fibula and tibia with more than 45% of its length remaining. Necessary most often as a result of traumatic complications. The prosthetic accessory may be a lower leg prosthesis. Moderate performance of stump when walking. Rarely seen due to the small amount of soft tissues in the distal part. Only the tendons and the skin remain, so even with a well-preserved bloodstream, the stump tends to cool down. Problems with selection of the prosthetic foot due to the short distance from the stump to the ground.Syme amputation - Amputation of the entire foot with removal of the articular surface of the tibia, both lateral and medial ankles, covering the stump with a skin-muscle flap from under the heel. Necessary most often for disease reasons - diabetes, problems with the circulatory system, less often traumatic. The prosthetic footing can be a special prosthetic foot. Foot amputations - For the foot area, there are over twelve different levels of amputation. These procedures include amputation of the toes, through amputation of the metatarsus up to amputation in the tarsal area. Necessary most often for disease reasons - diabetes, problems with the circulatory system, less often traumatic. The prosthetic equipment can be an individually made silicone epithesis or prosthesis.