What is aka surgery?
Above-the-knee amputations (AKA) involve removing the leg from the body by cutting through both the thigh tissue and femoral bone. This procedure may be necessary for a wide variety of reasons, such as trauma, infection, tumor, and vascular compromise.
Is it better to amputate a leg above or below the knee?
It’s generally easier to use a below-the-knee prosthetic leg than an above-the-knee prosthesis. “If the knee joint is intact, the prosthetic leg takes much less effort to move and allows for more mobility,” explains Keszler.
Can you walk after above knee amputation?
Any amputation is life-altering, but people with bilateral above-knee amputations face a particularly complicated process of physical and emotional rehabilitation. The long-term goal is usually being able to walk again with prosthetic legs.
What is transfemoral amputation?
Transfemoral (above knee) amputation is a surgical procedure performed to remove the lower limb at or above the knee joint when that limb has been severely damaged via trauma, disease, or congenital defect.
How does it feel to be amputated?
“Phantom pains” is a term that describes ongoing, physical sensation in the limb that has been removed. Most patients experience some degree of phantom pains following an amputation. They can feel shooting pain, burning or even itching in the limb that is no longer there.
What is the most serious immediate complication following an amputation?
Complications
- heart problems such as heart attack.
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- slow wound healing and wound infection.
- pneumonia.
- stump and “phantom limb” pain.
How long do you live after amputation?
Mortality following amputation ranges from 13 to 40% in 1 year, 35–65% in 3 years, and 39–80% in 5 years, being worse than most malignancies. 7 Therefore, amputation-free survival is important in assessing the management of diabetic foot problems.
Does it hurt to get amputated?
Most patients experience some degree of phantom pains following an amputation. They can feel shooting pain, burning or even itching in the limb that is no longer there.