The environment of earthquake victims who have lost limbs should be arranged according to their new situation

It was announced that 850 people lost limbs in the earthquake disaster that occurred in Kahramanmaraş on February 6. Stating that limb losses occur due to bone fractures, muscle crush injuries and soft tissue injuries in individuals under the rubble, Instructor Kübra Akkalay emphasizes that the environment of the patients should be arranged according to their new situations and access to physical and mental health services should be provided. Pointing out the importance of caring for the limb after amputation, Akkalay points out that patients should be informed in this context in order to allow the use of prostheses.

Orthoses and prostheses should be provided for earthquake victims who have lost their limbs. Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Orthopedic Prosthesis and Orthosis Program Head Instructor Kübra Akkalay gave information on what to do for those who have lost limbs and the use of prostheses after the big earthquake in Kahramanmaraş on February 6.

After amputation, the individual should be rehabilitated and started to use prosthesis

Stating that amputation is the surgical removal of part or part of a limb together with its bone, Akkalay said that "The priority in individuals who have undergone amputation and have lost limbs is to create a good stump that will allow the remaining limb to use functional prostheses. It is necessary to heal the rest of the limb quickly and rehabilitate the individual so that they can start using prostheses."

850 people lost limbs in Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Reminding that hundreds of people lost limbs in the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquake disaster that occurred on February 6 and affected 11 provinces, Akkalay said that "After the 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes, 850 people lost limbs among those who were rescued alive from under the debris. These losses occurred due to bone fractures, muscle crush injuries and soft tissue injuries in the individuals under the debris. The environment should be arranged according to the new situation, and its orientation to social life should be accelerated!” Pointing out that the functional status of the patient should be determined and the patient's potential for adaptation to the rehabilitation program should be determined with a detailed examination, Akkalay said that "Especially the citizens affected by the earthquake should be provided with physical and mental access to health services. After the earthquake, the needs of individuals in need such as orthoses, prostheses and wheelchairs should be met. Psychological support facilities for earthquake victims who have lost their limbs, the need for resources for the provision of orthoses and prostheses should be provided. Considering their new situation, their environment should be arranged in such a way that they can be protected from dangers. The necessary service areas for the construction and application of prostheses and orthoses in hospitals should be opened.".

Care after limb loss is important

Referring to the fact that there may be early complications such as wear and tear on the remaining limb, Akkalay said, "Patients should be informed on limb care for complications that may occur. The patient should be taught to apply elastic bandages for shaping the stump and controlling edema. Correct sitting and lying positions should be shown to prevent contracture formation in the joint.". Akkalay listed the things that the patient should pay attention to for the stump care as follows: "The stump should be observed every day in terms of redness and abrasions, and every side of the stump should be seen by using a mirror. A band-aid should not be pasted on it. It should be washed with soap every day and dried. Stump socks should not be burned and torn. The recommended exercises must be done regularly.".

Limb loss is more common in men

Reminding that limb losses can occur after work accidents and occupational diseases, or due to congenital anomalies, accidents or natural disasters, Asst. Prof. Kübra Akkalay said that "When the causes of limb loss are considered, it is seen that there are more losses in men, except for disasters that affect communities such as earthquakes. Limb losses due to conditions such as work injuries and occupational diseases are more common in individuals between the ages of 20-40. In children, limb loss is seen to be congenital due to conditions such as congenital anomalies."

Developing technology brings along patient-specific health solutions. Stating that the devices and materials used in the field of prosthesis and orthotics have also undergone changes and innovations with the development of technology, Akkalay said: "Developments and innovations are rapidly spreading for the construction of prostheses, lighter and functional orthoses that are suitable for human anatomy and offer many functionalities one after another. The design of the products to be used with software technology and the three-dimensional product designs controlled by computer support can be realized. With the developing technology in orthosis-prosthesis science, the further development of patient-specific health solutions is facilitated."

Every stage of the prostheses, from manufacturing to repair, should be carried out specifically for the patient

Stating that personalized treatment methods are preferred to be planned and applied, Akkalay said that "Personalized medical products should be produced and applied with measurement and rehearsal in order to be used in a specific patient. The manufacture, sale, application, maintenance and repair of these prostheses should be carried out specifically for the patient. For the use of prostheses, patients should be rehearsed and adapted.".

Prosthesis parts are decided according to the patient's conditions

Asst. Prof. Kübra Akkalay stated that “After amputation, temporary prosthesis can be used immediately, or the use of prosthesis can be started after the sutures in the stump limb heal and take proper shape." Asst. Prof. Kübra Akkalay concluded her remarks as follows:

"The socket of the patients who go to the Prosthetic Orthosis Production and Application Centers is created by taking measurements according to the person. Conditions such as functional status and occupational status of the patient are evaluated and prosthesis parts are decided. By joining the socket and prosthetic parts, static and dynamic adjustments are made. The patient is rehearsed for the use of the prosthesis and its adaptation is ensured. Patients are informed by the Prosthetist Orthotist about the care and considerations.".

 

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)