MAJOR AMPUTATION Meaning and
Definition
-
A major amputation refers to a surgical procedure wherein a significant portion of a person's limb is removed, typically due to severe injury, disease, or dysfunction, resulting in the loss of motor and sensory function beyond that point. This type of amputation involves the removal of a substantial part of the limb, often including a joint, such as the shoulder, hip, knee, or elbow. Major amputations may also involve the removal of more than one limb, such as a combination of hand and arm or foot and leg.
The decision to perform a major amputation is made only when all other medical interventions and treatment options have been exhausted, and the preservation of the limb is deemed impractical or dangerous to the individual's health. Often, major amputations are performed to mitigate life-threatening conditions or alleviate chronic pain and disability that severely hampers the person's functionality and quality of life.
After a major amputation, individuals may require significant rehabilitation to learn how to adapt to their altered physical condition, regain mobility, and adjust to the use of artificial limbs (prostheses) if applicable. Psychological support is often recommended to help individuals cope with the emotional impact of limb loss and to guide them through the process of physical rehabilitation.
-
A. of the lower or upper extremity above the ankle or the wrist respectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MAJOR AMPUTATION
- major amputatinn
- major amputatiof
- major amputatiol
- major amputatioo
- majoaramputation
- majoreamputation
- m ajor amputation
- ma jor amputation
- maj or amputation
- majo r amputation
- major a mputation
- major ampu tation
- major amput ation
- major amputa tion
- major amputat ion
- major amputati on
- major amputatio n
Etymology of MAJOR AMPUTATION
The word "major amputation" consists of two parts: "major" and "amputation".
1. Major: The word "major" originates from the Late Latin word "major", meaning "greater" or "older". It is derived from the Latin word "maior", comparative form of "magnus", meaning "great" or "large". Over time, this word passed into Old French as "majeur" and then entered Middle English as "major" in the 15th century.
2. Amputation: The word "amputation" comes from the Latin word "amputare", which means "to cut off". This Latin term is derived from "amb-" meaning "around" or "about" and "putare" meaning "to prune" or "to trim". In medical terminology, "amputation" refers to the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb.
