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Are There Different Types of Amputation Injuries?

By Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP | | personal injury

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]When many people think of an amputation injury, they will often first think of someone who lost their arm or leg in an accident. However, these are just two types of amputation injuries and there are others, as well. Below, our Miami personal injury lawyer explains what these are.

Traumatic vs. Surgical Amputation

A traumatic amputation occurs when an accident is so severe, it results in a limb or appendage being completely severed. Traumatic amputations are often caused by medical malpractice, car accidents, and machinery accidents. When a limb or appendage is so severely damaged that the cells surrounding the wound begin to die, reconstruction is not usually possible. In these cases, the appendage may have to be surgically amputated.

Lower-Limb Amputations

There are many different lower-limb amputations a person may suffer from. These include:

  • Partial foot amputation: This injury occurs when one or more of the toes are removed. Individuals may need extensive physical therapy to learn how to walk and balance.
  • Ankle disarticulation: This injury occurs when the foot is removed at the ankle.
  • Below-the-knee amputation: An amputation that occurs below the knee is also known as a transtibial amputation. Individuals who suffer from this injury will still likely retain movement in their knees.
  • Transfemoral amputation: Contrary to a below-the-knee amputation, this injury occurs when the leg has to be removed above the knee.
  • Hip disarticulation: A very severe injury, this occurs when the leg must be removed up to the joint in the hip.
  • Hemipelvectomy: The most serious lower-limb amputation, occurs when the entire leg must be removed. Often, a portion of the pelvis does, too.

Upper-Limb Amputations

Like the lower body, there are many different types of amputation injuries that affect the upper limbs. These include:

  • Partial hand amputation: When the hand is partly amputated,  the fingertips may be removed, or parts of the finger or thumb.
  • Metacarpal amputation: This injury involves the removal of the entire hand, up to the wrist.
  • Wrist disarticulation: Unlike a metacarpal amputation, this injury involves the removal of the entire hand and the wrist.
  • Transradial amputation: A partial removal of the arm under the joint of the elbow is known as a trans-radial amputation.
  • Elbow disarticulation: This injury involves a removal that occurs at the elbow and removes the forearm.
  • Above-the-elbow amputation: A removal of the arm that starts above the elbow is known as an above-the-elbow amputation.
  • Shoulder disarticulation: This injury requires the entire arm to be removed, including the shoulder blade and part of the clavicle bone.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Miami Can Help After an Amputation Injury

Regardless of the type of amputation, you have suffered, our Miami personal injury lawyer at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein can help. We know the devastation that follows an amputation injury, and we have the experience to hold negligent parties liable for paying full damages. Call us now at (786) 504-7842 or contact us online to request a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]