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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 rotator cuff injury results in a torn tendon at the top of the shoulder (A). To repair it, an incision is made over the site of the tear (B). The tendon's attachment to the bone is repaired with sutures (C), and a small piece of bone from the acromion may be removed (D) to ensure smoother movement of the tendons. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

A Bankart procedure may be performed laparoscopically (A), or through an open incision in the shoulder (B). In the open procedure, the surgeon exposes the joint capsule and labrum, a rim of soft tissue that surrounds the cavity, which has become detached (C). Sutures reattach the labrum to the joint capsule (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.)

During a total shoulder joint replacement, an incision is first made in the shoulder and upper arm (A). The head of the humerus is removed with a bone saw (B). The shaft of the humerus is reamed with a bone rasp to ready it for the prosthesis (C). After the shoulder joint, or glenoid cavity, is similarly prepared, bone cement is applied to areas to receive prostheses (D). The ball and socket prostheses are put in place, and the incision is closed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)