CLOSED TRAUMATIC FOREQUARTER AMPUTATION WITHOUT FRACTURE - A CASE-REPORT

Closed forequarter amputation (scapulothoracic dissociation) is a rare , easily missed, life-threatening injury. The diagnosis should be susp ected in patients with a pulseless, flail limb, supraclavicular haemat oma, lateral scapular displacement and clavicular disruption. Early su rgery is essential to control haemorrhage and completion of the amputa tion with attention to closure of the resulting defect is often requir ed. Prognosis for long-term functional recovery is poor, in spite of m odern prosthetic aids.