Amputations of the hand and upper extremity in the management of malignant tumors

The primary goal of treatment for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors of the hand and upper extremity is an oncologic cure. The secondary goal is maintenance of function. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy and radiation techniques, amputation still provides a means for achieving surgical cure for some bone and soft tissue sarcomas. A well planned amputation with attention to level, soft tissue closure, muscle transfer as needed, and nerve handling combined with early fitting of modern prosthetic devices provides patients with a rapid return to normal activity. This article reviews the general principles and specific techniques of amputation in the patient with an upper extremity malignancy.