If the injury to the extremity is too severe, sometimes the best treatment option is amputation.  The team of surgeons with the mangled extremity program assess the injury, including bone, soft tissue, arteries and veins, and nerves.  If the team decides that the surgical options to reconstruct the damaged tissues won't provide a person with a functional extremity then amputation is discussed with the patient and their family.

The type of amputation is defined by the area that is amputated:

Leg and Foot Amputation Levels

• Above Knee Amputation, or AKA - amputation through the thigh bone (femur)
• Below Knee Amputation, or BKA - amputation through the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) 
• Through Knee Amputation - amputation through the knee joint
• Ankle Disarticulation - amputation through the ankle joint
• Transmetatarsal Amputation - amputation through the mid-foot

Arm Amputation Levels

• Above Elbow Amputation, or AEA - amputation through the upper arm bone (humerus)
• Below Elbow Amputation, or BEA - amputation through the lower arm bones (radius and ulna)
• Wrist Disarticulation - amputation through the wrist

If it is decided that an amputation is the best option, the rehabilitation team is involved immediately. The team will help the patient understand functional ability following an amputation, including rehabilitation and prosthetic options.