Online Amputation Surgery Education Center

The folks at the Prosthetics Research Study - in partnership with Otto Bock Healthcare, the Amputee Coalition of America, and Harborview Medical Center, and the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine program - have created an online Amputation Surgery Education Center [ASEC].

This unique approach to medical education makes detailed written and video-based information about modern amputation methods available to interested surgeons worldwide on a 24/7 basis, without charge. Novice surgeons can study the basic principles while more experienced doctors can brush up on an uncommon procedure.

In addition to the surgical education modules, there are also electronic versions of a series of consumer-oriented articles that were first published in the ACA In Motion magazine. This section is an excellent resource for many patients and their families.

The focus of the ASEC is initially on lower limb amputation levels, and currently includes a segment on creating the type of bone bridge advocated by Ertl. As additional developmental funding becomes available, the ASEC will be expanded to include upper limb surgeries as well.

In addition to being a good reference for surgeons, this is also a great site for prosthetists and other rehab personnel to learn more about the mechanics of amputation, to better understand what the patient has experienced. To check it out for yourself, visit the ASEC website.