Shoulder Disarticulation
An upper-extremity amputation level achieved by disarticulation at the glenohumeral joint, removing the entire arm while preserving the shoulder girdle.
Full Definition
Shoulder disarticulation is the removal of the entire upper limb through the glenohumeral joint, retaining the scapula and clavicle. It is performed in cases of severe trauma, soft-tissue sarcoma, or vascular catastrophe. The preserved shoulder girdle can provide limited prosthetic control inputs and cosmetic contouring. In clinical documentation, shoulder disarticulation must be distinguished from forequarter amputation (interscapulothoracic), which also removes shoulder girdle structures. Prosthetic fitting at this level is exceptionally complex and typically involves body-powered or passive systems.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with forequarter amputation, which removes the clavicle and scapula. The distinction affects prosthetic componentryselection.
In Context
- "Following a high-voltage electrical injury, the patient underwent shoulder disarticulation and was subsequently evaluated for a body-powered prosthetic system." — Trauma case summary
- "The chart notation 'SD' required clarification; it was confirmed as shoulder disarticulation, not a standard transhumeral level." — Medical records review