Amputation is the surgical removal of a part of the body, arms or legs which are also called limbs or part of a limb. A person may also be born with the absence of a limb or digit such as fingers or toes, which is referred to as congenital amputation. Amputations are a common result of trauma such as accidents, or can be related to medical complications of diabetes, infection, cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms and characteristics
Amputations can occur at any level in the arm or leg, for example, leg, arm, finger or toe. Levels of amputation are referred to by site, such as, above or below elbow or knee.
The location of amputation can also determine whether prosthetic or artificial limbs can be used. Upper limb prostheses may assist in providing a return of function or act as support for the remaining limb. Lower limb prostheses can enable independent walking.
‘Phantom pain or sensations’ can occur following amputations, where sensation or discomfort continues to be experienced in the missing limb or digit, resulting in possibly attempting an action such as trying to scratch an itch on a foot that is no longer there. Often the person still pictures their original limb or digit remains which can result in falls or accidents. For more information on specific conditions or injuries that can result in amputations, follow these links:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The length and degree that an amputation affects a person's functioning at work depends on:
- the type and level of amputation
- whether a prosthesis is used
- the person’s psychological status, that is, their capacity to cope and adapt to the amputation
- the person’s specific job requirements.
For example, amputation of the thumb can result in a considerable reduction in a person’s capacity to perform tasks involving manual dexterity, due to the major role the thumb has in gripping objects. Therefore, workplace adjustments may need to be considered, such as:
- consideration of specialised prosthetic attachments for safe hand tool use
- consideration of vehicle adaptations, such as driving control modifications to allow independent transport to and from work or for workplace driving needs
- an assessment of workplace set up and design to ensure all areas of the workplace are independently accessible including kitchen and bathroom amenities, especially if a person is using a wheelchair for mobility
- consideration given to a graduated return to work following amputation to allow for potential fatigue related to relearning how to physically complete tasks
- consideration of the use of specialised seating to accommodate postural changes following amputation
- consideration given to the use of adaptive technology such as one handed keyboards, voice-activated software or other adapted computer input devices.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements specific to amputations:
Case studies and success stories
For employers and managers:
For job seekers and employees:
For service providers:
References
Amputees United of Australia Inc., 2008, Amputees United of Australia, Devonport, viewed 16 December 2011, http://www.monash.edu.au/rehabtech/amputee/AUA.HTM.
Health Insite 2011, Amputation, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 16 December 2011, http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Amputation/.
Glanze, WD (ed) 1990, Mosby’s Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary, 3rd edn, C.V. Mosby Company, St Louis.
MD Guidelines 1991—2011, Amputation, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 16 December 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.
Sherman, RA 2007, Phantom Limb Pain, The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe, Amersfoort, viewed 16 December 2011, http://www.bfe.org/protocol/pro05eng1.htm.
Limbs 4 Life (no date specified), Getting Your Life Back—Driving, Limbs 4 Life, Melbourne, viewed 16 December 2011, http://www.limbs4life.com/content/getting_your_life_back/driving.php.