Transmetatarsal Amputation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about transmetatarsal amputation?
Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is surgery to remove all or part of your forefoot. You may need TMA if you have a severe injury or infection, or poor blood flow to your foot.
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How do I prepare for surgery?
Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
What will happen during surgery?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given spinal anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With spinal anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. Your surgeon will make incisions on your forefoot. Any damaged or infected bones will be cut and removed. Nerves, tendons, and blood vessels will be cut and closed off. Your surgeon will remove any infected or dead tissue and clean the inside of your foot. If the infection is severe, your incision wound will be packed with medical bandages and left open to heal.
- If your foot is not infected, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A skin graft from a donor or another part of your body may be used to cover your incision wound. One or more drains may be placed to remove extra blood and fluid from your wound. Bandages will be placed on your wound to help prevent bleeding and inflammation.
What will happen after surgery?
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you may be able to go home.
What are the risks of surgery?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your nerves or blood vessels may be damaged. You may have trouble walking after surgery. You may continue to feel the part of your foot that has been removed. You may get a blood clot in your limb. This may become life-threatening.
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Further information
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