Hemi-Pelvectomy
Pronunciation: HEM-ee-pel-VEK-toh-mee
A radical surgical procedure involving removal of one side of the pelvis and the entire lower limb, resulting in the highest level of lower-extremity amputation.
Full Definition
Hemi-pelvectomy (also termed hindquarter amputation) is the most proximal lower-limb amputation, involving resection of the hemipelvis and the ipsilateral lower extremity. It is most commonly performed for primary bone or soft tissue tumours of the pelvis. Prosthetic fitting is highly complex due to the absence of bony landmarks for socket anchorage; ambulatory prostheses for this level are uncommon, and cosmetic or seated-use prostheses are more frequently prescribed. The term is hyphenated ('hemi-pelvectomy') in most major clinical style guides. Editors must distinguish it from hip disarticulation, which preserves the pelvis. The alternative term 'hindquarter amputation' is used interchangeably in some British surgical literature.
Usage
Usage note: House styles differ: some use 'hemipelvectomy' (one word), others 'hemi-pelvectomy' (hyphenated). Verify against the relevant style guide and apply consistently. Distinguish clearly from hip disarticulation.
In Context
- "Following hemi-pelvectomy, the patient was assessed for a lightweight cosmetic prosthesis to assist with sitting balance and body image." — Oncology rehabilitation assessment
- "The author used 'hemipelvectomy' as one word throughout; the editor standardised this to the hyphenated form 'hemi-pelvectomy' per journal house style." — Copy-editing note