Transradial Amputation
Pronunciation: trans-RAY-dee-ul
Amputation performed through the shaft of the radius and ulna, resulting in loss of the hand and part of the forearm, historically termed 'below-elbow.'
Full Definition
A transradial amputation severs the forearm between the elbow and wrist joints, preserving the elbow and some degree of forearm rotation (pronation/supination) depending on residual limb length. It is the upper-limb counterpart to the transtibial amputation in the lower limb. Clinical editors must distinguish it from 'transhumeral' (through the humerus, above-elbow) and 'wrist disarticulation' (through the wrist joint). The term appears in surgical notes, prosthetic prescriptions, functional assessments, and insurance documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'TR' in full prose; the abbreviation is acceptable in tables or clinical shorthand only.
In Context
- "Following a transradial amputation, the patient retained sufficient elbow function to consider a body-powered hook prosthesis." — Surgical discharge summary
- "The editor corrected 'transradial' to 'transhumeral' after confirming the amputation was above the elbow." — Proofreading log