Traumatic amputation during an accident is a life threatening emergency which poses a significant risk of bleeding to death. The femoral artery in the leg is connected directly to the aorta, and any break or tear in this artery causes the body to lose major amounts of blood. Significant blood loss can also occur if large arteries in the arms are severed.

High Speed Increases Amputation Risk

Amputations most often happen during high velocity accidents, and are associated with other serious injuries such as head trauma and organ damage. Emergency medical personnel in the field prioritize stopping the bleeding, transfusing fluids and transporting the injury victim to an emergency department as quickly as possible, because any delay can result in brain damage or heart attack from low blood volume. If possible, they will bring along the severed limb, since surgeons may be able to reattach it.

Recovery from traumatic amputation takes time. If doctors are unable to reattach the limb, prosthetics are recommended. Losing a limb can affect an individual’s ability to work, so rehabilitative therapy will need to retrain the injury victim for a new type of job. Losing a limb also affects one’s body image and sense of self. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a concern in these severe injury accidents and will require careful management.

Addressing pain is an important part of recovering from traumatic amputation. Phantom pain can be treated by nerve specialists. If the limb was reattached, there may be severe pain as nerves reconnect, and signals begin to reach the brain. In these cases therapy to relearn use of the limb is also necessary.

Why is a Lifecare Plan Essential?

A Lifecare plan is important whenever there is serious injury from a traumatic accident. A Lifecare plan estimates long term expenses that may be associated with one’s injuries over the entire lifetime. It is important to work with an expert on this, because some complications first develop years after the initial injury and this needs to be included in cost projection. Additional surgeries, medical supplies, physical and occupational therapy and personal care need to be considered.

As a rehabilitation doctor with over 20 years of experience, a certified Lifecare planner and traumatic injury attorney, Dr. Greg Vigna is able to evaluate your current injuries, collaborate with medical experts across the country to assess your needs and advocate for the best jury ruling or settlement possible to help you recover.