Tarsotibial amputation, pronounced /tɑrsoʊˈtɪbiəl æmpjuˈteɪʃən/, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the foot, ankle, and the lower end of the tibia. The word "tarsotibial" is made up of two parts, "tarsal" and "tibial," which respectively refer to the bones of the hindfoot and the tibia of the leg. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to explain the pronunciation of the word, which emphasizes the stressed syllable "ti" and indicates that the remaining syllables are pronounced quickly and with reduced stress.
Tarsotibial amputation is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure during which the lower leg is amputated, specifically at the level of the ankle joint or the junction between the tarsal and tibial bones. This operation involves the removal of a portion of the foot and the complete removal of the tibia (shinbone) and fibula (calf bone) below the ankle.
This procedure is typically performed as a last resort when there is extensive damage, trauma, or non-healing wounds in the lower leg, such as severe infections, tumors, or chronic ulcers that are unresponsive to other forms of treatment. Tarsotibial amputation is considered a major operation requiring careful planning, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative care to ensure optimal outcomes.
Following the surgery, patients may require rehabilitation and prosthetic limb fitting to regain mobility and adjust to their new limb. Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the remaining muscles and facilitate the adaptation to using crutches or a prosthetic limb for walking.
The decision to perform a tarsotibial amputation is not taken lightly and requires careful consideration by a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, physicians, and rehabilitation specialists. The goals of this procedure are to eliminate pain, control infection or disease progression, and improve a patient's overall quality of life by restoring mobility and functional independence.
Amputation through the ankle-joint.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tarsotibial amputation" can be broken down into two parts: "tarsotibial" and "amputation".
1. "Tarsotibial" is derived from two anatomical terms:
- "Tarsus", which refers to the cluster of seven bones in the foot that form the instep.
- "Tibia", which is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg, commonly known as the shinbone.
Combining these terms, "tarsotibial" describes the area where the tarsus and tibia meet, typically indicating the surgical removal or amputation of this region.
2. "Amputation" comes from the Latin word "amputatio", which means "cutting off" or "pruning away". It refers to the surgical removal or detachment of a body part, typically a limb or digit.