Broadcaster’s Arm Must Be Amputated
Doctors said Friday they will have to amputate most of the left arm of KABC-TV Channel 7 news reporter Adrienne Alpert, who suffered severe burns in a freak accident earlier this week.
The announcement came after a four-member surgical team amputated the middle finger of her right hand and the big toe of her left foot.
Alpert, 48, remained in critical but stable condition at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital and Health Center, with burns on 25% of her body, a hospital spokesman said.
But given the extensive burn damage to her left arm, doctors said, the limb will be amputated above the elbow Tuesday. There is a chance Alpert could also lose her right hand and both feet, they added.
Alpert suffered severe burns Monday when the microwave antenna from the broadcast van she was in grazed or came near a 34,500-volt power line and sent electricity shooting through the vehicle.
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