Amputations

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease can often progress to non-salvageable limb and require an amputation varying from minor amputations to major amputations. Knowledge of the types of amputations is essential to the vascular surgeon in providing patients care. Typically, amputations are required as a consequence of severe infection, ischemia, trauma, or malignancy. In the following chapter we describe the different types of amputations from a toe amputation to an above knee amputation. Additionally, we describe predictors of poor outcomes and risk factors associated with progression of peripheral arterial disease, which lead to an amputation.