Amputation Image

Amputation of leg. Figure A: After the surgeon creates two flaps of skin and tissue, the muscle is cut and the main artery and veins of the femur bone are exposed. Figure B:The surgeon severs the main artery and veins. New connections are formed beween them, restoring blood circulation. The sciatic nerve is then pulled down, clamped and tied, and severed. Figure C:The surgeon saws through the exposed femur bone. Figure D:The muscles are closed and sutured over the bone. The remaining skin flaps are then sutured together, creating a stump. (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group.)