Amputation and Prosthetic Limbs

Amputation and prosthetic limbs are about artificial limbs that are used to improve the quality of life after an operation performed for medical reasons. Amputation is the surgical cutting of a part of the human body and is generally applied to remove the limbs that have lost their function or damaged the body for various reasons. Prosthetic limbs, on the other hand, are artificial limbs that aim to increase the mobility and quality of life of the person by imitating the area that is lost after amputation. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give you information about what amputation is, its causes and in which situations it is done.

What is Amputation?

Amputation is the surgical removal of a part of the body, usually a limb or finger. This procedure is performed for various reasons, such as infection, tumor, trauma, or cessation of blood flow. After amputation, prosthetic limbs are used that mimic the missing area and increase the mobility of the person.

What are the Causes of Amputation?

There are various causes of amputation. These include;

• Severe injuries sustained in accidents, war, natural disasters, etc. may result in unrecoverable damage to the limbs and necessitate amputation.
• Severe infections that cannot be controlled may require amputation of limbs.
• Amputation can be done to prevent or control the spread of cancerous tumors.
• In diabetic patients, the inability to control infections and the development of gangrene may necessitate amputation due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage.
• Amputation may be required as a result of blood flow stopping due to vascular occlusion or damage, oxygen deprivation and death of tissues.

In Which Situations Is Amputation Performed?

Amputation can be applied in the following cases;

• In case of irrecoverable damage to the limbs as a result of severe injuries in situations such as accidents, natural disasters or war,
• In order to prevent uncontrollable severe infections to threaten the limbs and spread,
• To prevent or control the spread of cancerous tumors,
• In diabetic patients, in cases where infections cannot be controlled and gangrene develops due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage,
• As a result of cessation of blood flow due to vascular occlusion or damage, oxygen deprivation and death of tissues,

Amputation and prosthetic limbs are important medical procedures to protect and improve quality of life. Therefore, early diagnosis of conditions requiring amputation and application of appropriate treatment methods are of great importance.

How Is Amputation Surgery Applied?

Amputation surgery is usually performed due to conditions such as severe trauma, cancer, infection, congenital abnormalities, or blood circulation problems. The application of amputation surgery may differ depending on the patient’s condition and the reason for the limb removal, but generally includes the following steps;

• Before the amputation surgery, general or regional anesthesia is applied so that the patient does not feel pain and discomfort.

• Before the surgeon begins cutting the limb to be amputated, the surgeon performs ligation and compression of the vessels to control bleeding. This process helps prevent blood loss and accelerate post-operative recovery.

• During the cutting process, the surgeon first cuts the surrounding muscles and tissues and reaches the bones. A suitable level for bone cutting is then determined and the bone is cut properly.

• After the bone cut is complete, the surgeon properly closes the muscles and nerves. This helps reduce post-amputation pain and facilitate the use of a prosthetic limb.

• Finally, the surgeon properly seals the skin and tissue and applies a sterile dressing to the surgical site.

What is a Prosthetic Limb?

A prosthetic limb is an artificial device that helps restore the function of a lost limb or part of a limb after amputation. Prosthetic limbs can have customized designs based on the amputated area and the needs of the patient. Prosthetic limbs are used to provide movement and balance, reduce pain, improve aesthetic appearance and help the patient perform daily life activities.

Prosthetic limbs can be of different types for upper and lower extremities. Upper extremity prostheses are used in finger, hand, forearm and arm amputations, while lower extremity prostheses are used in foot, leg and thigh amputations. Prosthetic limbs may contain mechanical, electronic, or biotic components, and different materials can be used as materials such as titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, and silicone.

When is a Prosthetic Limb Fitted After Amputation?

The time of insertion of the prosthetic limb after amputation depends on the patient’s postoperative recovery, the doctor’s recommendations, and the preparation time of the prosthetic limb. In general, the following criteria must be met for post-amputation prosthetic limb attachment;

• After amputation, the wound should heal completely and the risk of infection should disappear. The wound healing process may vary depending on the general health status of the patient and the level of amputation.

• Edema (swelling) after amputation should be controlled and the limb area should be stabilized. This process can be performed using compression bandages or special edema control devices.

• The patient must be physically and mentally ready to use a prosthetic limb. This process is supported by physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.

• The prosthetic limb must be customized according to the patient’s dimensions and needs, and suitability tests must be completed.

Post-amputation prosthetic limb fitting is performed when the above criteria are met. This process can range from a few weeks to several months after amputation. After prosthetic limb fitting and use, it is important for patients to keep in regular contact with their doctor and prosthodontist and to continue physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to support the adjustment process.

Amputation and Prosthetic Limb Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Amputation and Prosthetic Limb Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.