amputation & minié bullet

Question 1

HOW WERE AMPUTEES AFFECTED?

Answer 1

Many were poor because they could not work.
Many amputees were unable to mentally recover from this and, any killed themselves or had mental illnesses.
Many amputees still felt their missing limb or felt a burning sensation from that burning limb.

Question 2

HOW MANY AMPUTATIONS WERE PERFORMED & WHEN?

Answer 2

60,000-70,000 FROM 1861 TO 1865

Question 3

WHAT WAS THE SURVIVAL RATE?

Answer 3

75%

Question 4

OF ALL SURGERIES PERFORMED DURING WAR, HOW MANY WERE AMPUTATIONS?

Answer 4

3/4

Question 5

WHY DID MINIE BULLETS CAUSE SO MANY AMPUTATIONS?

Answer 5

minié bullets increased accuracy = they lost their shape, shattered bone, and carried skin & clothing into the wound

Question 6

When was amputation indicated?

Answer 6

When a limb was “carried off” leaving a ragged stump, or when limb/joint was crushed, but still attached, gangrene was present, when major vessels/nerves were destroyed

Question 7

HOW WERE AMPUTATIONS PERFORMED?

Answer 7

Within 48 hours was best, while soldier was still in shock even better
Surgeon & 3 assistants: one to administer chloroform, one to depress main artery, one to support limb & skin flap
Surgeon cut skin, soft tissue, and then bone