Above Knee Amputation
Above knee amputation (AKA) is a surgical procedure that removes a part of a person’s leg above the knee. This type of amputation may be needed for several reasons. These include non-healing diabetic wounds, vascular compromise, and unresectable tumors. It may also be performed in a patient who is immunocompromised.
Keeping Thigh Straight
Maintaining the straightness of the thigh after above knee amputation is crucial for the recovery process. This process is more challenging after transfemoral amputation, because it means the person with the transected limb can no longer bear weight on the end of the limb. During surgery, the surgeon will attempt to restore muscle balance and a good fit between the bone and socket by drilling holes into the bone and suturing the muscle directly to the bone.
The surgeon must attach the muscles to the femur in order to prevent the thigh from bending forward. The muscles are removed from the thigh and reattached to the femur through a procedure called myodesis. The myodesis will keep the femur centered within the muscle mass.
Compensation For Amputation
Amputation claims can be made for various reasons, including loss of limb. The initial process is straightforward and a solicitor will discuss the circumstances of the amputation with you. He will then advise you about the parties responsible. You may also be able to claim for psychological injuries. If the amputation has caused you pain or trauma, you should seek compensation for your injuries.
The amount of compensation for an above knee amputation depends on several factors. The main factor is whether or not the amputation was the result of a faulty or negligent act. In such cases, your solicitors will need to prove that there was a breach of duty of care, which resulted in the amputation.
Complications Of Amputation
The perioperative morbidity and mortality rate associated with major lower extremity amputation is high. This is due to the fact that patients often have a number of coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. The prognosis is also poor. About half of unilateral amputees will lose their other limb within three years, and nearly a third will die within five years.
Patients should be able to make their own decisions about amputation. Their surgeon, vascular nurse, physiotherapist, and the expert patient should be involved in the decision-making process. Patients are evaluated for vascular stability prior to amputation with transcutaneous oxygen and laser Doppler flowmetry, as well as ankle brachial pressure indices.
Prevention Of Infection
The rate of infection following above knee amputation varies greatly. The mortality rate after amputation is 2% to 37%. Most patients die due to pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. Other causes of infection include bloodstream transfusions, infection at the site of the procedure, and cross infection in the operating theatre. In addition, there is a risk of postoperative infection from the patient’s own body. Many organisms originate in the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, there are several ways to decrease the risk of postoperative infection and reduce the severity of sepsis.
It is important to keep the wound clean and dry. Various kinds of bacteria, including gram-negative bacteria, can cause infections. One type is meningococcal bacteria, which causes meningitis, a painful inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. Another type is called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA), which can cause a severe form of soft tissue infection, such as fasciitis. If left untreated, these infections can cause organ failure and necrosis.
Rehabilitation After Amputation
After an above-knee amputation, patients can begin rehabilitation exercises that strengthen and stretch the arm and leg muscles. General conditioning exercises may also be included in the rehabilitation program. The amount of muscle strengthening and stretching required will depend on the type of amputation, as well as the patient’s overall health. Rehabilitation also includes learning to use a prosthesis and other adaptive devices.
Rehabilitation for amputation can be especially challenging for individuals who have suffered a life-altering amputation. While the physical demands of rehabilitation are incredibly difficult, there is also a psychological component to the experience. People often report feeling depressed or grieving for their former lifestyles, which can complicate recovery. Fortunately, therapists can help patients deal with their frustrations and overcome their own self-image issues.
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