Amputation

(am-pu-ta' -shun). The removal of a limb or part of the body by the knife, ligature, or other means, or as a result of gangrene, constriction (e.g., of the cord, in the fetus), or the disease, ainhum. For special amputations see Operations, Table of. A., Accidental, the separation of a limb by some form of accident. A., Bloodle , one in which there is but slight lo of blood, on account of the circulation being controlled by mechanical means. A., Central, one in which the scar is situated at or near the center of the stump. A., Circular, that performed by making a single flap, by circular sweeps of a long knife, through skin and muscles, in a direction vertical to the plane of the limb. A., Circular Skin Flap, a modification of the circular, in which the skin flap is di ected up, and the muscles divided at a higher level. A., Coat-sleeve, a modification of the circular, in which the cutaneous flap is made very long, the end being closed by being gathered together by means of a tape. A.. Congenital, amputation of fetal portions due to constriction by amniotic bands of A. in the Contiguity, amputation at a joint. A. in the Continuity, amputation of a limb elsewhere than at a joint. A., Consecutive, an amputation during the period of suppuration or later. A., Cutaneous, one in which the flaps are composed exclusively of the integuments. A., Diclastic, one in which the bone is broken with an osteoclast, and the soft ti ues divided by means of an ecraseur. Its object is to avoid hemorrhage and purulent infection. A., Double Flap, one in which two flaps are formed from the soft ti ues. A., Dry. See A., Bloodle . A., Eccentric, one in which the scar is situated away from the center of the stump. A., Elliptical, one that may be performed by a single sweep, as in the circular method; the wound, however, having an elliptical outline, on account of the oblique direction of the incision. A. of Expediency, one performed for cosmetic effect. A., Flap, one in which one or more flaps are made from the soft ti ues, the division being made obliquely. A., Flaple , one in which, on account of destruction of the soft parts, flaps cannot be formed, the wound healing by granulation. A., Galvano-caustic, one in which the soft parts are divided with the galvano-cautery, followed by division of the bone by the saw. A., Immediate, one done within twelve hours after the injury, during the period of shock.