Autoamputation

Autoamputation is the spontaneous detachment (amputation) of an appendage from the body. This is not to be confused with self-amputation. It is usually due to destruction of the blood vessels feeding an extremity such as the finger tips. Once the vessels are destroyed, the tissue is starved of oxygen and dies, which is often followed by gangrene. Autoamputation is a feature of ainhum, cryoglobulinemia and thromboangiitis obliterans.