The specialized two- and three-letter abbreviations used within the devotee-wannabe community logically follow from the types of limb amputations possible.
AK: Above Knee AE: Above Elbow
BK: Below Knee BE: Below Elbow
The addition of L or R indicates right or left. LBK would thus describe the state of Heather Mills McCartney, Paul McCartney's wife since 2002, whose left leg required removal below the knee after a motorcycle accident in 1993.
Single Amputations begin with an “S”. For example, a single amputation of one arm would be called “SAE” for “Single Above Elbow”. If the single amputation were on the left or right arm (Above the elbow), it would be called “LAE” or “RAE” respectively. And if the amputation were below the elbow, it would be called “LBE” or “RBE” respectively. The same goes for amputations occurring on the legs, where single above the knee would be “SAK” or “LAK/RAK” following the previous logic. There would also be “LBK/LBE” for under the knee.
Identical amputations on both sides of the body are prefaced by a "D": DAK would describe a double above-knee amputee. These are also known as "bilateral" amputations, so BAK would be equally valid.
A disarticulation amputation involves the removal of a bones at the joint by the disarticulation of the joint. The addition of L, R, D, or B apply.
WD: Wrist Disarticulation
ED: Elbow Disarticulation
SD: Shoulder Disarticulation
AD: Ankle Disarticulation
KD: Knee Disarticulation
HD: Hip Disarticulation
The absence of three limbs and the total absence of limbs is described by the terms TRIPLE and QUAD amputee.
Within the Amputee Devotee Community, there are trace amounts of finger and toe amputation devotions that can be found. Even though these attractions are equally valid, there is no single, well known system for identifying specific such amputations. |