In the lab, we get limbs for a plethora of reasons. Many of them pathological. However, we also receive a number of limbs and digits (fingers and toes) as a result of accidents. These are often referred to as “traumatic amputations”. Sometimes it’s a fingertip; sometimes it’s a complete lower limb. Whatever the reason, they are fascinating!!
I would like to share a few with you that I have examined and give you an idea of what we get to see. Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Burned Arm
Patient was male, age 25-35. According to the ER report, he was at an outdoor party and decided to dance/stomp through the bonfire. He was drunk at the time and wearing a hoodie, which caught fire. He was unable to remove the hoodie before it did irreparable damage to his arm. By the time he got to a hospital, most of the arm was damaged with 4th degree burns. There was very little, if any, skin left. The underlying muscles, tendons and ligaments were visible. There was so much nerve and vascular damage that the arm could not be saved and had to be amputated.
Lawnmower Leg
Patient was male, age 55-65. According to the patient history, he was mowing his lawn using a ride-on lawn mower. I’m not sure about all the details, but the report states he stepped off of the mower while it was still running and it “ran him over”. Apparently, it only ran over his leg. However, it made a clean cut, removing most of his calf, including skin, muscles, tendons and fascia. Again, the nerve and vascular damage was so extensive that the leg below the knee could not be saved and had to be amputated.
Railed by a Rail Car
Patient was male, age 26. The report states that he was at work when he “got run over by a railcar”. The patient was working in a petroleum factory where they use rail cars to transport supplies and material. He tripped and couldn’t get out of the way in time. While some of the skin remained intact, the underlying muscles vasculature and bone were crushed beyond repair, nearly severing the entire foot. Check out a video of the leg! Don’t judge me for my lack of video skills.
These are just a few of the more unique accident cases I have received. We get many from motor vehicle accidents, accidental (and sometimes intentional) gunshot wounds and shop incidents. Whatever the reason, the moral of the story is the same: Be safe out there!!
