There are many reasons for having an amputation of a limb:

There are 2 forms: Guillotine Amputation, done in an emergency, which requires additional surgery later to make a usable stump. Most of the time it's a normal amputation, where the amputation is done more delicately and creates a stump to aid in a future prosthesis. Of course they use anesthetic for both.

Ereneta says to check out http://pdm.medicine.wisc.edu/kampen.htm for a study on field amputations.

Am`pu*ta"tion (#), n. [L. amputatio: cf. F. amputation.]

The act amputating; esp. the operation of cutting of a limb or projecting part of the body.

 

© Webster 1913.

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