What to know about Limb Salvage

Limb salvage is a method of saving as much of an arm or leg as possible so that total amputation is not necessary. It may be needed, for instance, if a patient has a diabetic wound that has become severely infected, suffers a severe trauma or has developed a tumor. In some instances, a partial amputation may be needed in order to save a person’s life.

How Limb Salvage Works

There are times where limb salvage may involve the use of a special procedure such as a skin graft or a bone graft, or reconstructive surgery. Some people need multiple surgeries in order to save a limb. Not every patient will be a good candidate, and those who do may have to undergo several complex procedures over a period of a year or more. However, in many cases, people who undergo limb salvage procedures are ultimately able to lead fulfilling, active and healthy lives.

Diabetic Wounds and Limb Salvage

One of the most common reasons that limb salvage is needed is a diabetic wound. This type of wound can easily become infected to the point that if amputation is not performed the person’s life could be in danger. Thankfully, however, there are several things that diabetics can do to reduce the chances a limb will be at risk. These are just a few of them.

• Check your feet daily for any wounds that you may have suffered. People with peripheral neuropathy (a common condition associated with diabetes), may not know if they have been cut.
• If you have any sort of pain in your legs, please get it checked out as soon as you can. That could be a sign of a circulation problem that could eventually result in the need for amputation.
• Do not try and trim any corns or calluses yourself, because that could result in a wound that could easily become infected.

If you would like more information on limb salvage, or you would like to schedule an appointment, get in touch with the experts at Southwest Foot & Ankle. Give us a call at 972-318-2738 (Lewisville) or 972-805-9985 (Plano) or contact us online.