Few people consider their toes among the most important body parts, so it may be surprising to learn how relatively easy it can be to lose one of those lower digits. While elective amputation of the toe is most often performed to inhibit infections or to remove tissue that is damaged or dead, trauma can also accidentally sever a toe from the foot.
Reasons for Toe Amputation
A number of causes may lead to toe amputation, including gangrene, severe and irreparable trauma, untreatable infection of the bone, malignant tumor, or complications of connective tissue diseases such as lupus or scleroderma. A deformity present at birth may also be an indication for toe amputation, and sometimes the fifth toe is amputated to prevent overriding of the fourth toe and to permit shoes to fit properly. People who suffer from diabetes are also at an elevated risk of amputation. According to the Mayo Clinic, because diabetics often have restricted blood flow to the feet, even minor foot ailments in diabetics can progress into serious infections that could lead to amputation of the toe, foot, or leg.
Types of Amputation
Purposeful amputation of the toe is performed surgically but toe amputation can also result from accidental severing. Surgeons conducting toe amputations will seal off implicated blood vessels to prevent bleeding, remove the necessary bones, and smooth the ends of any remaining bone or bones. After the skin and muscle are pulled over the stump, the wound is stitched shut, or, in the case of active infection, tubes may be put in place to permit fluid drainage. Traumatic events or accidents can also result in the detachment of a toe or toes from the rest of the foot. According to the National Institutes of Health, factory, farm, or power tool accidents usually cause traumatic amputations, although natural disasters, war and acts of terrorism can also result in loss of body parts.
Complications
Amputation of the toe does involve a small chance of complications, which could include bleeding, nerve damage, intense pain in the remaining tissue, infection, and problems with healing. In addition, toe amputation could result in a limp or contracture deformity, or gangrene could continue to spread, necessitating the removal of additional tissue such as other toes, or the entire foot or leg. Complications are more likely to occur if the amputee smokes, has poorly managed diabetes, poor blood circulation, heart problems or hypertension, or is older or obese. In the event of an accidental toe amputation, avoid complications by seeking medical attention immediately, and do not try to push the toe back into place or attempt to place a tourniquet. If proper care is taken with the severed toe and stump, reattaching the toe may be possible.
Prevention
Not all toe amputations can be prevented. However, diabetics can keep their risk of amputation lower by practicing careful foot hygiene and routinely checking their feet for wounds, however small--neuropathy, a nervous system impairment, can prevent diabetics from noticing a small cut or blister on the foot, which can quickly grow into a serious infection. Diabetics should avoid going barefoot, keep toenails neatly trimmed, and wear clean, dry socks that allow good circulation. Accidental toe amputation can be avoided by following appropriate safety precautions when operating factory or farm equipment or power tools.
Time Frame for Healing
Following surgical removal of the toe, patients can expect to remain in the hospital for 2 to 7 days without complications. Approximately 6 to 8 weeks are normally required for the wound from a toe amputation, either surgical or accidental, to completely heal.
