Hemipelvectomy
Pronunciation: hem-ee-pel-VEK-toh-mee
A surgical procedure involving removal of the lower limb together with partial or complete resection of the ipsilateral hemipelvis.
Full Definition
Hemipelvectomy is the most proximal lower-limb amputation level, entailing excision of the entire lower extremity along with part or all of the corresponding half of the pelvis. It is most commonly performed for pelvic or proximal femoral malignancies. Internal hemipelvectomy (limb-salvage variant) removes the pelvic bone while preserving the limb. In prosthetic and editorial contexts, 'hemipelvectomy' must be distinguished from 'hip disarticulation,' as the two terms describe different anatomical extents of resection, distinct prosthetic protocols, and separate billing codes.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from hip disarticulation. 'Hindquarter amputation' is an acceptable synonym in British clinical usage.
In Context
- "The operative report specified hemipelvectomy with resection of the left ilium, necessitating a custom pelvic prosthetic interface." — Operative report
- "Care was taken in the clinical summary to record 'hemipelvectomy' rather than 'hip disarticulation,' as these terms carry distinct coding implications." — Clinical coding review