Extremity amputations: principles, techniques, and recent advances.

Overview

It is estimated that approximately 1.7 million Americans are living with the loss of a limb, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050. The most common reasons for amputation include vascular compromise, trauma, cancer, and congenital deformities. Orthopaedic surgeons are often called on to manage patients requiring an amputation or those with amputation-related conditions. It is helpful to review the principles and techniques for performing lower and upper limb amputations, with a focus on common complications and how to avoid them and to be familiar with recent advances in prosthetic design and management of a residual limb.