“What Do You Want to Do With the Leg?” A Critical Narrative Review of the Understandings and Implications of Disposal in the Context of Limb Amputations

Abstract

Amputation is seen to be a potentially distressing experience for patients and one which, for some patients, is seen as being akin to grief. Historically, medical professionals have alluded to the relevance of considerations of disposal of amputates after the process of amputation as being implicated in the psychological adjustment to amputation, yet limited understandings around disposal are evident. The disruption of bodily integrity by the process of amputation also presents a disruption of our norms around the disposal of human tissue, presenting challenges for how health care professionals can support patients through enacting their decisions around disposal. This narrative review article then explores the existing literature around disposal of amputates, drawing on literature from across the health and social sciences to examine what is known about disposal. It then argues that our considerations of disposal remain lacking despite the increasing incidence of amputation and the potential distress that not managing disposal can cause for some patients. It also examines the social implications of disposal and how limitations around disposal can itself reinforce the overlooking of disposal within the process and experience of amputation.