Wrist and Forearm Amputations eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Amputations of the upper extremity largely follow the same basic principles as those of any amputated limb, some of which are covered in this article. However, the primary purpose of this article is to highlight the special considerations involved in acquired amputations at the wrist and forearm (below the elbow). Discussions of amputation at or above the elbow, as well as the various hand and digital amputations, are reserved for a separate article. Although acquired amputations in children are discussed because this group of patients deserves special consideration, congenital limb amputations and deficiencies are beyond the scope of this article.
Synonyms and related keywords: amputation, disarticulation, dismemberment
Edwards & Osterman 2003