try & fashion anterior & posterior flaps of equal length
can get away with atypical flaps if necessary to avoid a higher amputation
reflect tissues proximally to the level of the bone section
just proximal to this, ligate & divide the major vessels
next identify the 3 major nerves, pull them distally, & section them proximally so their ends will retract
divide muscle bellies transversely distal to the level of bone section
divide radius & ulna transversely & smooth the edges
if end of stump is not distal to the insertion of biceps tendon, resect the distal 2.5 cm of the tendon to allow functional lengthening of the stump (elbow can still flex with brachialis)
