Interscapulothoracic amputation.

Interscapulothoracic or "forequarter" amputation is an ablative surgical procedure that is physically mutilating and potentially psychologically traumatic. We have performed this operation on five occasions over the past 30 years for various indications: osteosarcoma, metastatic breast cancer, skin cancer and electrical burn. The operation was originally described by Berger in 1883 and was intended for use in traumatic injuries. Currently, its use is generally reserved for cases of ascending infection and for curative purposes in cases of bone and soft tissue sarcoma, but may be used for palliation.