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Indications, Timing and Procedures

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A History of Limb Amputation

Summary

In contrast to ritual, punitive and traumatic amputations, most elective procedures are subjected to debate between patient and surgeon, although many indications are compelling for reasons of congenital deformity, severe injury, gangrene, chronic bone and joint infections, and tumours and also for victims of entrapment. Since the late 18th century, many former indications are nullified by reconstructive procedures, a process which continues. If timing an amputation was a major dilemma before anaesthesia and safe surgical management, today, at least, death from haemorrhage and infection are remote whilst sound stump healing and excellent prostheses are anticipated. As is evident, variations in stump flaps and bone section levels or joint disarticulation are numerous and have spawned a bewildering range of techniques, especially for the lower limb. An attempt has been made to condense these developments in historical sequence.

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(2007). Indications, Timing and Procedures. In: A History of Limb Amputation. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_11

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