Amputation and Limb Loss

Overview

Limb loss may occur through surgical amputation, sudden trauma, or conditions present at birth. An amputation is the surgical removal of a body part (such as a finger, leg, or arm) to protect a person’s health or quality of life. At UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center, we provide personalized care and rehabilitation to help people recover and adjust to life after limb loss.

Why amputations may be needed

Traumatic amputation: After some serious accidents or injuries, amputation may be necessary (in other cases, limb loss occurs during the injury).
Vascular or diabetic amputation: Poor circulation from vascular disease or complications from diabetes can lead to tissue death (gangrene), which may require amputation. Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control can help reduce this risk.
Cancer-related amputation: Amputation may be needed to prevent the spread of aggressive bone or soft tissue cancers that can’t be treated effectively with other methods.
Congenital limb difference: Some individuals are born without part of a limb or with one that didn’t fully develop. Surgery and prosthetic support may be needed to improve function.

Our Approach

We help you recover and adapt to life after limb loss or amputation. Your care is led by a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) from day one.

Features of treatment

Recovery counseling: Understanding what to expect — emotionally and physically — as you heal and adapt.
Collaborative care: PM&R physicians work closely with your surgeon and prosthetist to coordinate healing and prosthetic fitting, and help you achieve functional goals.
Therapy and equipment planning: We coordinate physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any adaptive equipment to help you improve mobility and independence.
On-site prosthetics lab: We offer the convenience of custom prosthetic fabrication and adjustment without leaving Spain Rehab.
Pain management: Developing strategies to manage both post-surgical and long-term phantom limb pain.

What to Expect

After surgery, your care team will create an individualized rehabilitation plan. You’ll meet with your PM&R physician regularly and begin therapy when appropriate to regain strength, balance, and independence. Your physician will work closely with you throughout recovery, including guiding you through prosthetic readiness, fitting, and training. Our counselors, therapists, and other trained professionals provide emotional support and education to both you and your family.

Living a Full Life

Empowered by modern prosthetics, adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation techniques, people with limb loss can live both active and fulfilling lives. Whether your goal is returning to work, playing sports, or simply moving with confidence, our team is here to help support your progress.