Amputation Flashcards
Transtibial amputation technique includes what
most common =burgess technique
posterior flap made from lateral and medial gastrocnemius and soleus
Flap fixed by sutures
Standard post op care includes
consider effects of anaesthetics
pulmonary co-morbidities
circulation exercises for other limb - check for DVT
Sit out of bed early post op - check post op notes
Progress to W/C transfers, standing, mobility with aids
Stump management in acute care includes
oedema reduction and prevention - compression therapy wound cares, promotion of wound healing pain management and desensitisation early prosthetic fitting prevention of contractures exercise rehabilitation
Acute wound care includes
suture splitting malodour, pus redness, heat, swelling febrile, unwell, chest pain, dizziness intense pain other leg is cold
Ongoing stump care includes
swelling rash cysts, boils lumps under skin inflammation of skin itching rough, dark skin flaking skin
encourage
daily washing, thorough drying, moisturise stump
manage perspiration ; baby powder, regular bandage/sock changes
Parameters and Benefits of scar massage
5-10mins, 3-4 times a day decreases oedema reduce scar tissue reduce contractures improves healing assists desensitisation of stump can help with phantom pain helps to prepare for prosthesis May require massage in intact limb
Intact limb care includes
important, particularly if PVD or diabetes is present
encourage regular inspection by professionals
control diabetes, stop smoking
daily hygiene, skin moisturiser, good footwear
Check skin condition, particularly heels `
Be aware of new sensations and pain
stump pain
- wound healing
- requires good pain control
- may occur later in healing stages
Phantom pain
20-50% of patients
crushing, toes twisting, hot iron, burning, tingling, cramping, shocking, shooting, p&n’s
decrease in severity and frequency over time
requires specialised pain control
can change with emotional state
phantom sensation/phantom limb syndrome
List some causes of ongoing stump pain
abscess, infection, skin conditions
muscle contractures
neuromas
bony spurs
pain management in amputees includes
contracture prevention oedema management adequate post op analgesia desensitisation - massage, taping, bandaging Get moving- distraction helps early prosthetic training
TENS, vibrations, acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback, ECT, mirror therapy, CBT
Compression therapy for oedema management includes
RRDs removable rigid dressings post op silicone liners stump bandaging stump shrinkers - controls oedema, stump shape (dog ear, adductor roll)
RRD usage, advantages
Usually applied immediately post op (20mins) for TTAs
Advantages
- decrease oedema - facilitate wound healing
- allows wound inspection
- stump shaping - earlier time to prothetic fitting
- pain management
- prevent contractures
- stump protection from trauma(falls)
Disadvantages of RRDs
specialist skill/therapist required for application
close monitoring required
can be heavy and affect bed mobility
lack of progressive compression
what does the research say about RRDs
most effective form of post op dressing in TTA
good prosthetic warm up indicator
do not remove the rigid dressing for more than 10 minutes at a time
wool socks should be added as the volume of the stump decreases
when the patient requires 3 or more wool socks or if there are problems fitting the cast - new cast
Worn 24/7, except bathing/limb inspection
RRD joint line
cast created up to knee joint line
held in place by suspension cuff