What Is a Hindquarter Amputation?
A guide to understanding what a hindquarter amputation involves, why it’s performed, and the recovery journey that follows
A hindquarter amputation, also known as a hemipelvectomy, is one of the most extensive types of amputations. It involves the surgical removal of the entire leg along with part or all of the pelvic bone on one side of the body. This surgery is typically performed when there is no other option to control life-threatening conditions, such as:
- Aggressive bone or soft tissue cancer (e.g. sarcoma)
- Severe trauma or infection that cannot be managed conservatively
- Complications from previous surgeries or chronic diseases
Because the procedure removes a large portion of the body’s skeletal structure and alters core muscle attachments, it significantly affects mobility, balance, and posture.