The Importance of Upper Extremity Amputation

The mangled upper extremity has a far greater impact on overall function than does a lower extremity amputation. Trans-radial amputations carry the advantage of being more aesthetically pleasing and easier to fit for prostheses, including myoelectric prostheses. The disadvantage of wrist disarticulation is that it can be difficult to use with a highly functional prosthesis compared to a trans- radial amputation. Myodesis, or the process of attaching the muscle tenon unit directly to bone is also recommended.