Limb reconstruction

For patients who have been told they may need an amputation, including those who have already undergone multiple procedures without success, our program provides a comprehensive evaluation and another opportunity to explore available options.

Our program focuses on patients with complex lower-extremity conditions that threaten the function or viability of the limb. Patients may benefit from an evaluation if they have:

• Complex lower-extremity trauma requiring advanced orthopedic and reconstructive care
• Chronic or recurrent wounds that have not healed with conventional treatment
• Chronic osteomyelitis or other complex bone and soft-tissue infections
• Exposed bone, tendon, joint, vascular structures or orthopedic hardware
• Significant bone loss
• Nonunion, malunion or other problems with bone healing
• Diabetic foot or ankle wounds that continue to have difficulty healing after appropriate vascular and infection management
• Failed previous limb-salvage procedures or multiple unsuccessful operations
• A recommendation for major lower-extremity amputation and want to explore whether limb preservation may be possible

Not every patient will ultimately be a candidate for limb-salvage surgery. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation to understand the condition and determine the options available.

Complex limb-threatening conditions rarely involve just one problem. A patient may be dealing with damaged or missing bone, infection, exposed hardware and a soft-tissue wound at the same time.

Memorial Health uses a multidisciplinary approach that brings together specialists with expertise in these different aspects of limb reconstruction.

Orthopedic and plastic and reconstructive surgeons collaborate to evaluate complex bone and soft-tissue problems and develop a coordinated treatment plan. This combined approach is sometimes known as orthoplastic care.

Infectious disease specialists are also an integral part of the team. Chronic bone and soft-tissue infections can complicate healing and limb reconstruction, making infection management an important part of the overall treatment plan.

By evaluating these complex problems together rather than in isolation, our specialists can develop a comprehensive plan focused on controlling infection, promoting healing, restoring function and preserving the limb whenever possible.

Many patients with complex limb conditions have already been through extensive treatment before coming to Memorial Health.

You may benefit from an evaluation if you continue to experience infection, wound breakdown, problems with bone healing or other complications after previous procedures. A history of unsuccessful treatment does not necessarily mean that no other options are available.

Our multidisciplinary team can review your previous treatment, evaluate your current condition and determine whether additional reconstructive or limb-preservation options may be appropriate.

Being told that you may need an amputation can be life-changing. If a major lower-extremity amputation is being considered, Memorial Health’s Limb Salvage and Restoration team can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether limb preservation may be possible.

An evaluation does not guarantee that a limb can be preserved or that surgery will be recommended. It provides an opportunity for specialists from multiple disciplines to assess the condition together and help you understand your options.

You don’t have to determine whether your patient is a candidate for limb-salvage surgery before referring them to Memorial Health.

Consider referring a patient when a complex lower-extremity condition is not progressing as expected, previous treatment has been unsuccessful, limits of the care have been reached or there is a question about whether amputation can be avoided.

Referrals may come from primary care providers and specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, vascular specialists and podiatrists.