Limb Salvage
Overview
Patients who are candidates for limb salvage have typically been the victims of serious accidents or biological factors, such as tumors or chronic infections. But there may be hope for patients dealing with this type of debilitating musculoskeletal conditions.
J. Dean Cole, MD, the Medical Director at the Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC) in Orlando, has made great strides in one unique treatment option: “limb salvage surgery.” When applicable, Dr. Cole and his colleagues utilize this procedure as an alternative to limb amputation. Rather, this “limb sparing” surgery enables our surgeons to salvage a limb, thereby maintaining the patient’s quality of life.
The Benefits of “Limb Salvage”
While effective among alternatives to limb amputation, the decision to perform limb salvage surgery can only be made by a physician. The decision to undergo limb salvage is not a simple matter. Patients may require multiple surgeries to salvage an arm or leg.
Special procedures, including bone and skin grafts, bone resection, reconstructive and plastic surgeries may be needed. The patient’s support system of family and friends also play large roles in their recovery process. As such, our physicians conduct a detailed individual patient evaluation review for each patient.
After having performed numerous limb salvage surgeries, Dr. Cole and his colleagues have amassed an invaluable experience and unique skill in the treatment of complex orthopaedic trauma. This experience allows them to perform these procedures, enabling patients to keep their extremities. This ensures that they continue leading productive, functional lives.
We’ve provided a more in-depth exploration of the actual limb salvage treatments available. And, you’ll find an actual Case Study of an FCC patient who has undergone limb salvage surgery.
At the Fracture Care Center, our surgeons are very skilled in saving patients’ limbs. For additional limb salvage information, please contact us.
Treatments
In cases where amputation seems to offer the only viable option, limb salvage (or “limb sparing”) surgery may offer precious hope. Whatever the cause, patients facing amputation of their arms or legs can turn to the Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute Fracture Care Center (FCC). J. Dean Cole, MD, the Center’s Medical Director, has long performed these procedures for qualified patients.
But what is limb salvage, and should patients consider this treatment option? Limb salvage is considered one of the leading alternatives to limb amputation. This surgery is intended for those situations in which the resources necessary to keep patients’ limbs intact are unavailable. It may benefit those who have experienced life-threatening injuries or are afflicted with uncontrolled bleeding, vascular injuries, infections, or tumors.
A Long History of Limb Salvage Success
The Center conducts thorough patient evaluations for all cases. Should patients qualify for limb salvage surgery, Dr. Cole and fellow surgeons utilize a minimally invasive surgical approach. Limb salvage treatment allows patients to keep their extremities, while continuing to lead productive, functional lives. And the recovery process for these severe injuries offers minimal restrictions.
However, limb salvage can be a lengthy and sometimes painful process. Patients may require a full year of multiple complex surgeries to ensure productive outcomes. Not all patients may qualify for these procedures, which could include bone and skin grafts, bone resections, and reconstructive and plastic surgeries. Psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other mental and emotional health professionals may be required, as well.
While an effective limb amputation alternative, limb salvage is complex and lengthy. It should only be performed by qualified orthopaedic surgeons with a unique, specific breadth of experience. With over 25 years of experience in orthopaedic traumatology, Dr. Cole has performed many limb salvage procedures, with impressive results. He has developed techniques and procedures shown to save injured arms and legs.
Other surgeons commonly refer their severely injured patients to Dr. Cole, knowing that he’ll attempt to salvage extremities when others cannot. Our FCC surgeons excel at addressing the problems that may develop during these severe injuries’ early stages. They also treat the infections and skin problems associated with these wounds. Should patients qualify for surgery, the Center emphasizes the commitment necessary for potential patients and their loved ones.
Joint Salvage
The Fracture Care Center provides unrivaled care and treatment for joint injuries, which are very common with these severe accidents. Dr. Cole may perform a primary arthrodesis, also known as “joint fusions” or “joint salvage.” The Center’s surgeons are skilled in determining whether surgery or natural healing is the best treatment option.
The Journey to Healing
Patient healing plays a major part in the Center’s limb salvage treatment of these severe fractures and injuries. Dr. Cole and the Center’s surgeons utilize the most advanced procedures to align the broken bones to improve healing potential. However, with severe injury or trauma to bone abnormal healing is a possible concern.
Orthopaedic surgeons are often inexperienced in addressing healing issues (Malunion and Nonunion) associated with limb salvage. But Drs Cole, Vickaryous, and Hawks’ unique experience allows them to anticipate, treat, and avoid these concerns, when possible.
If bone grafting becomes necessary, our FCC physicians utilize bones other than the pelvis, as is typical in the traditional approach. They avoid the pelvis bone because patients typically complain of pelvic pain following grafting. Once properly healed, the Center’s surgeons address the complex scenarios that may present with patients suffering severe and complex injuries to the extremities.
If you require additional limb salvage information, please contact us.