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In an above-the-knee amputation, three incisions are made (A). First the skin and muscle layers are cut (B). The major blood vessels are clamped and severed (C). The bone is cut with a special saw (D). Finally, the muscles are stitched over the bone, and the skin is closed over the wound (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

In this shoulder arthroplasty procedure, an incision is made into the shoulder (A). The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is removed from the shoulder joint, and bone growths, or osteophytes, are removed (B). Small holes are drilled into the head to accept the prosthesis (C). Similar holes are drilled in the glenoid cavity (shoulder joint) (D). The final prosthesis improves shoulder function (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

A ganglion cyst is usually attached to a tendon or muscle in the wrist or finger (A). To remove it, the skin is cut open (B), the growth is removed (C), and the skin is sutured closed (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

To perform a carpal tunnel release, the surgeon makes an incision in the palm of the hand, above the area of the carpal tunnel (B). The carpal ligament going across the hand is severed (C), releasing pressure on the median nerve (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

In this patient, a fall has resulted in fractures in the bones of the elbow (B). To repair the fracture, an incision is made in the elbow area (C), and the bones are fixed with screws to aid proper healing (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

To save a detached finger for reattachment surgery, it should be wrapped in a moist paper towel and put on ice (A). First the surgeon will reattach the blood vessels and nerves of the finger (B). The bone may be repaired with wires (C), and tendons are repaired (D). Skin and muscle wounds are also closed during the procedure. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

This webbed finger shows a simple, complete syndactyly, meaning the bones for two fingers are complete, and only the soft tissues form the webbed section (A). To repair this, an incision is made in the skin of the webbing (B). Tissues and muscles are severed (C), and the two separated fingers are stitched (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)