Traumatic amputation. Mechanisms of injury, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Traumatic amputations are one of many injuries that can occur to the body's musculoskeletal systems. Degloving, partial and total amputations are common types of traumatic injuries. Since traumatic amputations are very life threatening, emergency treatment must be initiated quickly and directed toward profuse blood loss and potential hypovolemia. Not only do traumatic amputees undergo extreme physiological changes, but they must also encounter the psychological trauma of an amputation. Due to a loss of body part(s) and alteration in body image, the amputee often experiences the stages of grieving which may take months and years to resolve. Extensive rehabilitation with the use of an interdisciplinary team approach is one of the most successful ways to return the amputee to the work place. A combination of occupational therapy, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation and psychological support generally promote a sense of well being and return the traumatic amputee to a level of independence.