Limb salvage surgery preserves the use and appearance of limbs compromised by disease or injury. This highly complex surgery requires the ability and skill of a truly extraordinary surgeon like Dr. Jason Ko.
Although amputation is sometimes unavoidable, Dr. Ko strives to safely save patients’ upper and lower extremities. Whenever possible, he wants to spare patients from the devastation and health complications that are consequences of amputation. Dr. Ko offers leading-edge medical and surgical care and is highly respected for providing patients with superior outcomes, even in seemingly hopeless cases.
Are You a Candidate for Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage surgery may help if one or more of your limbs is jeopardized by infection, bone loss, soft tissue damage, cancer, diabetes or a blood circulation disorder.
Not every patient is a candidate for limb salvage. In some cases of limbs that cause severe pain or have minimal function, it may actually be safer or more appropriate to amputate. For instance, Dr. Ko has seen cases of severe infection or disease that could endanger a patient’s life if the affected limb is not amputated.
With his extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as microsurgery, Dr. Ko is very comfortable evaluating these difficult cases, providing his professional assessments and putting a plan in place to restore function and stability. He understands the decision to save a limb or not requires careful consideration of multiple factors.
Limb Salvage: Treatment Details
Every limb salvage surgery is unique, and the strategy is always tailored to the needs of the patient.
In general, Dr. Ko’s first goal of surgery is to address the immediate trauma or danger (e.g., infection, tumor, vascular problem). Then, he works on restoring form and/or function however needed.
As a recognized authority in microsurgery, Dr. Ko has perfected a spectrum of techniques using the most advanced equipment available.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, Dr. Ko and his orthopedic colleagues may do one or more the following:
- Repair and stabilize broken bones
- Remove infected bone or tissue
- Remove a tumor (and possibly surrounding sections of bone or tissue)
- Reconnect or replace blood vessels and nerves
- Transfer tissue to replace removed soft tissue and bone
- Place tissue or bone grafts
Recovering from limb salvage surgery and regaining full or near-to-full function and stability take time. During your initial recovery, Dr. Ko will provide complete instructions for caring for the treated limb(s) and minimizing your risk of complications. He is always available to answer questions about your individual progress or general prognosis. Dr. Ko, our nurse practitioner Caroline and other members of our team can also provide support and other resources as you heal.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are critical after limb salvage surgery. Depending on the nature of your circumstances, you may need to adjust how you walk, drive or do other daily tasks. Dr. Ko can provide referrals to some wonderful therapists to help you heal, cope and adapt after limb salvage surgery.
Learn More About Limb Salvage Surgery
For more information about Dr. Ko’s experience in limb salvage surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with him today. Please call or email our office to request an appointment.