Amputation Health Article

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 6300 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4262. Phone (847) 823-7186. <www.aaos.org>.

American College of Surgeons. 633 N. Saint Clar st., Chicago, IL 60611-3211. (312) 202-5000. <www.facs.org>.

American Diabetes Association. 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311. (800) 342-2383. <www.diabetes.org>.

National Amputation Foundation. 40 Church Street, Malverne, NY 11565. (516) 887-3600. <www.nationalamputation.org/>.

OTHER

The Amputee Newswire. <http://www.amputee-online.com/amputation/>.

Amputation Prevention Global Resource Center Page. <www.diabetesresource.com>.

Cripworld Guide to Amputation. <http://www.cripworld.com/amputee/ampinfo.htm>.

Tish Davidson, A.M. Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Amputations are performed in a hospital, usually by an orthopaedic surgeon. Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin. These elements make up the musculoskeletal system. The physicians who specialize in this area are called orthopedic surgeons or orthopedists. Orthopedic surgery is a specialty of immense variety, and includes amputation surgery.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Is amputation the best solution?
• How long is the procedure?
• How long will it take to recover from the amputation?
• What are the major risks of the surgery?
• What kind of pain will I have after the amputation and for how long?
• What steps will you take to minimize those risks?
• How long will I have to remain in bed?
• When will I be fitted with my first prosthesis?