Percentages: The percentage of soldiers who died out of all who had a particular amputation.
83% Hip Joint
57% knee
54% Thigh
25% Ankle
23% Upper arm
10% Wrist
7% Elbow
5% Foot/Toes
2.8% Hand/Finger
25% of all amputated soldiers died
Some surgeons were nicknamed "butchers" because of amputation.
83% Hip Joint
57% knee
54% Thigh
25% Ankle
23% Upper arm
10% Wrist
7% Elbow
5% Foot/Toes
2.8% Hand/Finger
25% of all amputated soldiers died
Some surgeons were nicknamed "butchers" because of amputation.
Medical Conflicts
With so many patients doctors did not have time for surgical repairs so wounds became very
infected. Therefore army doctors amputated many body parts. The amputations were done by
cutting off the body part quickly in a circular sawing motion. Remarkably resulting blood loss did
not lead to death. Many amputations were left to heal by process of granulation, the natural
process by which new capillaries and thick tissue form to protect the wound. When given more
time surgeons used the "fish-mouth method" which is when skin flaps were cut and sewn to form
a rounded stump.
With so many patients doctors did not have time for surgical repairs so wounds became very
infected. Therefore army doctors amputated many body parts. The amputations were done by
cutting off the body part quickly in a circular sawing motion. Remarkably resulting blood loss did
not lead to death. Many amputations were left to heal by process of granulation, the natural
process by which new capillaries and thick tissue form to protect the wound. When given more
time surgeons used the "fish-mouth method" which is when skin flaps were cut and sewn to form
a rounded stump.
Result of the Fish-Mouth Method
The situation for many American doctors was that they were unprepared to treat the terrible
wounds since a lot of there experience was in pulling teeth and lancing boils. They also did not
recognize the needed for cleanliness and sanitation. Little was known about germs and
bacteria. Bandages were used over and over on different people with out being cleaned.
Survival
Soldiers who survived amputation were given a prosthetic (fake limb) for looks and
function. Prosthetics are not perfect replacements for a limb but it gives the patient a
better chance at a normal life and not standing out with his amputated limb.
The situation for many American doctors was that they were unprepared to treat the terrible
wounds since a lot of there experience was in pulling teeth and lancing boils. They also did not
recognize the needed for cleanliness and sanitation. Little was known about germs and
bacteria. Bandages were used over and over on different people with out being cleaned.
Survival
Soldiers who survived amputation were given a prosthetic (fake limb) for looks and
function. Prosthetics are not perfect replacements for a limb but it gives the patient a
better chance at a normal life and not standing out with his amputated limb.
The first prosthetic knee by James Edward Hanger.