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The article discusses aspects, considerations and operating procedures of traumatic and trauma-related upper-extremity amputations. The optimization of clinical outcomes is said to be depending on the knowledge of proper amputation techniques, judicious use of tissue coverage and preferred amputation levels. Participation of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses and prosthetists claims to be an important factor to maximize patient rehabilitation aside from the expertise of the surgeon.

The article discusses a study which examines the value of reoperations or surgical treatment of complications following a major upper extremity amputation. It details the retrospective analysis of the outcome measures from combat-wounded personnel with major upper-extremity amputations, including prosthesis use and type, presence of residual limb pain, and pain medication. The findings reveal that revision amputation for surgical complications can significantly improve outcomes.