Limb salvage surgery, also known as limb-sparing surgery, is a procedure designed to save a limb that may be at risk of amputation due to injury, infection, or disease. This surgery aims to remove the damaged tissue while preserving as much healthy bone and soft tissue as possible.
When is Limb Salvage Surgery Considered?
There are several situations where our podiatrist at Empire Foot and Ankle might recommend limb salvage surgery:
Severe Trauma.
Severe trauma could include complex fractures, crush injuries, or burns that have caused significant damage to the bone, soft tissue, or blood vessels.
Bone Infections.
Serious infections that don’t respond to antibiotics may necessitate limb salvage surgery to remove the infected bone and surrounding tissue.
Tumors.
In some cases, limb salvage surgery can be used to remove cancerous or noncancerous tumors while preserving the limb.
Circulatory Problems.
Poor circulation can lead to tissue death and gangrene. In this case, limb salvage surgery can be used to improve blood flow and prevent amputation.
The decision to perform limb salvage surgery will depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury or disease, the overall health of the patient, and the likelihood of a successful outcome.