Traumatic forequarter amputation is rare and extremely mutilating. A 21-year-old male factory worker who sustained a traumatic shoulder girdle amputation is described. The injury mechanism was traction from the machine's force combined with the compressive force on the sternoclavicular joint. The factors leading to survival from this injury include rapid transportation, prompt and effective resuscitation, including treatment of shock, and adequate surgical management. Recognition of the complications associated with retrosternoclavicular dislocation is emphasized.