What is toe amputation?
Toe amputation is a surgical procedure in which one or more toes are removed, typically due to severe injury, infection, or disease that compromises the health and functionality of the toe. This procedure is considered when preserving the toe is not possible or when keeping it poses a greater risk to the patient’s overall health. Toe amputations can range from partial removal of the affected area to the complete removal of the entire toe.
Toe amputation indications
Toe amputation is generally performed for the following reasons:
- Severe infection: When infections, such as gangrene or diabetic foot ulcers, become uncontrollable or life-threatening.
- Trauma: Severe injuries, such as crush injuries or frostbite, that cause irreversible damage to the toe tissue.
- Circulation problems: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or other vascular conditions that lead to tissue death in the toe due to lack of blood flow.
- Tumours: The presence of cancerous growths or other tumours in the toe that cannot be treated by less invasive methods.
- Diabetic complications: Advanced diabetes can lead to neuropathy and infections, which, if untreated, may require amputation.
- Deformities and pain: Severe deformities that cannot be corrected through conservative or surgical treatments and that cause chronic pain or interfere with daily life.
How does Dr Abramson perform toe amputation?
Dr Michael Abramson performs toe amputation with precision and care, tailoring the procedure to each patient’s specific condition. Before surgery, he conducts a thorough evaluation, which includes reviewing the patient’s medical history and ordering imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of damage or infection. The procedure is typically done under local or regional anaesthesia, though general anaesthesia may be used in certain cases for patient comfort.
Once the area is numbed, Dr Abramson makes an incision around the affected toe, carefully removing the damaged or infected tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. If only part of the toe is being amputated, he may remove or smooth out a portion of the bone or joint to optimize post-surgery functionality and minimize discomfort. Afterwards, the wound is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied. In some cases, a drain may be used to reduce swelling.
Dr Abramson provides detailed post-operative care instructions, focusing on pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation. He emphasizes personalized recovery plans, including physical therapy if needed, to ensure patients regain mobility and balance as efficiently as possible.
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