Below the knee amputation is surgery to remove all or part of your foot or your leg below the knee cap. It is also called BKA. You may need a BKA for a health problem that causes poor blood flow, such as diabetes.
You may have a severe infection or a blood clot. You may have been in an accident that injured your leg beyond repair. You may also need a BKA if you have cancer, or were born with a deformed leg. Amputations are either planned or done in an emergency. Caregivers will only remove as much of your foot or leg as is absolutely necessary. After a BKA, you may be fitted for a prosthesis artificial leg for your residual remaining limb. You and your caregiver will work together to decide if other treatments should be included in your treatment plan.
You may need hyperbaric oxygen treatment to help heal infections. You may need surgery to provide new blood vessels to your leg if you have blood flow problems.
If you have cancer, you may need surgery to remove the tumor and graft a donor bone in its place. Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers.
Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers. Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects.
