Losing a limb (leg, foot, arm, etc.) due to disease or injury is traumatic at any age. The decision to amputate is one that is complex and requires expert consultation with the patient and family to determine the right course of action for each patient.
The Decision to Undergo Amputation
Each year, about 185,000 people undergo amputations in the United States – primarily due to diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, injuries/accidents and cancer.
While each case is unique, every patient who undergoes amputation is faced with an array of medical, emotional and social needs.
At WakeMed, it is our mission to help educate and support every patient and family who is preparing for amputation. Our surgeons and specially trained amputee nursing and care team will remain with patients and families before and after surgery, during recovery and throughout rehabilitation.
Following is a list of terms about amputation and the changes that take place following surgery.
About Amputation
Amputation is performed only after all attempts to save the limb have failed or when it is necessary to save the patient’s life. Our medical team will only recommend amputation if there is no alternative to care. In each case, the surgeon will save as much of the patient’s limb as possible, while only removing the disease/injured area to promote optimal healing.
The two most common types of amputation include:
- Below the knee (BKA) – the leg is removed below the knee.
- Above the knee (AKA) – the leg is removed below the hip joint.
Following surgery, patients often need rehabilitation and support to return to a full and independent lift. Once the patient’s wounds are healed and they receive their prosthesis, more intense rehab may be needed. At WakeMed Rehabilitation we work closely with the prosthetists and doctor to provide support and therapy through our structured programs in the Rehabilitation Hospital, Outpatient Rehab and Home Health.