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Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...

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Updated: May 23, 2026

Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

Published on: June 13, 2025

Major upper-limb amputations for malignant tumors.

Mark E Puhaindran¹, Joanne Chou, Jonathan A Forsberg

¹Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. mark_e_puhaindran@nuhs.edu.sg

The Journal of Hand Surgery

|April 10, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Major upper-limb amputations for cancer are rare and reserved for advanced cases. Survival remains poor, but amputation can control local tumors and relieve symptoms.

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Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers

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Published on: October 29, 2021

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Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

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Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers

Therapy Interventions for Upper Limb Amputees Undergoing Selective Nerve Transfers

Published on: October 29, 2021

Area of Science:

Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Limb Salvage Surgery

Background:

Limb salvage surgery advancements have decreased major upper-limb amputations.
Amputations are now typically for extensive, multifocal, or recurrent tumors where limb salvage is not feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current indications for major upper-limb amputations in malignant tumors.
To evaluate patient outcomes following these amputations.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of 43 patients undergoing major upper-limb amputation for malignant tumors (1996-2008).
Analysis of tumor types, disease stages, amputation levels, and survival data.
Study level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Main Results:

Most amputations were for soft tissue sarcoma (25), bone sarcoma (7), or carcinoma (11).
A significant proportion had advanced disease (Stage III: 21, Stage IV: 17).
Median survival was 13 months; 65% of patients died. Local recurrence was 22% at 6 months. Forequarter amputation survival was 42% at 1 year.

Conclusions:

Survival after major upper-limb amputation for cancer is generally poor due to advanced disease.
Amputation can be a valuable option for local tumor control and symptom palliation in select patients.
Improved survival necessitates enhanced systemic treatment strategies.