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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Minimally invasive shortening humeral osteotomy to salvage a through-elbow amputation
Michael J Beltran1, Kevin L Kirk, Joseph R Hsu
1Brooke Army Medical Center, 3851 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
Objective:
Determine the efficacy of a novel surgical technique to salvage a through-elbow amputation and avoid revision transhumeral amputation.
Methods:
A 23-year-old soldier presented after sustaining a through-elbow amputation in a close-range blast injury with inadequate soft tissues to obtain closure over the distal humerus. A 2-cm anterior incision was made and a shortening osteotomy with percutaneous submuscular osteosynthesis was done. A myodesis was performed and a tension-free primary closure of the soft tissue envelope obtained.
Results:
At 3 months postoperatively the osteotomy and soft tissue envelope were healed. At 2-year follow-up the patient reports using a body-powered prosthesis for ADLs and recreational hobbies, citing excellent rotational control and ease of prosthetic suspension.
Conclusion:
Minimally invasive shortening humeral osteotomy in the setting of a through-elbow amputation is a safe and effective procedure, which allows primary soft tissue closure, prevents the need for more proximal amputation, and allows for ease of prosthetic fitting and suspension.
