Amputation
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Amputation is the removal of a body extremity through trauma or surgery. Amputations are named in reference to the nearest joint; i.e. a below-knee amputation or an above-elbow amputation. If an amputation is performed through a joint space, it is referred to as a disarticulation.
Amputation is used to control pain or disease in the affected limb. Amputation is typically a treatment of last resort. Amputation can also be used as punishment or as an act of terrorism. Once removed, human extremities do not grow back. Side-effects of amputation can include psychological trauma and discomfort. Patients sometimes report phantom limb pain, in which nerve activity in the stump is perceived as pain in a body part that is no longer present.