What is the term for the loss of a limb?

Amputation is the surgical or traumatic removal of a limb or part of a limb. It is a specific medical term that encompasses both planned surgical procedures and unintentional severing of the limb due to injury. This term is widely recognized in the medical field and carries implications regarding the treatment and rehabilitation process following the loss of a limb.

While "limb loss" may describe the condition of having lost a limb, it is more general and does not specify the cause or method of loss. "Dislocation" refers to a joint that has been forcibly displaced, and while it may lead to serious injuries, it does not imply that the limb has been lost. "Severance" could refer to the cutting off of something but is not a standard term used in medical contexts to describe the loss of a limb.

Understanding the terminology helps in effective communication in the medical field and ensures that appropriate care protocols can be initiated for affected individuals.