title: Amputation. Preoperative assessment and lower extremity surgical techniques.
abstract: Amputation surgery is an important part of the treatment for severe limb disorders. The decision-making process must be done thoughtfully, remembering that blood flow is not the only issue. Many factors enter into the decision to perform a partial foot amputation or to perform a more proximal level amputation. Adherence to good surgical principles, proven techniques, and gentle soft tissue handling can make the difference between a successful and durable amputation or continued complications and frustrations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications