Limb salvage is a surgical procedure used to treat malignant tumors affecting long bones in the arms or legs. This therapy helps preserve your limb by removing the part of your bone involved with the tumor and some surrounding tissues. Your surgeon replaces the bone with an implant, a bone graft, or a metal prosthesis. The primary goal of Villa Rica limb salvage is to preserve as much of your limb as possible. After the surgery, your arm or leg will never be as strong as before the treatment. You may not be able to participate in high-impact sports using the treated limb.
Which are the techniques used in limb salvage?
Allograft bone replacement
Allograft bone replacement uses bones preserved from dead persons and organs and tissues from donors. The procedure involves your surgeon removing the affected bone and replacing it with the allograft. Your donor must be screened for various diseases, including HIV and hepatitis infection. Rarely do people get a bone rejection because your specialist induces a few fragments of your donor’s cells in the allograft. Allografts become stronger over time and are less likely to need additional surgery.
Endoprosthesis
A metal endoprosthesis is an implantable metal replacement. It replaces both your joint surface and a large segment of bone adjacent to the joint. In the past, most endoprostheses were custom-made. You had to wait for about four to six weeks for preparations. Today, you can almost access them immediately. Your surgeon can implant the prostheses with or without bone cement.
Tissue regeneration
Tissue regeneration is a rapidly evolving technique. Experts are applying a new concept of tissue engineering to reconstructive procedures to improve limb salvage results. Tissue engineering involves your specialist combining your cells, synthetic matrix materials, and purified protein growth factors to induce tissue regeneration. Your surgeon can also transport your bone and make it grow one inch per month using the Ilizarov or spatial frame process.
Joint fusion
Your doctor may recommend joint fusion if you do not have sufficient muscle around your joint to provide stability. The surgeon can make the joint rigid by having the ends of the joint heal together.
Which risks can happen after limb salvage?
Allografts have higher rates of early complications like infection, fracture, and non-union. Doctors often treat fracture and non-union successfully, but infected graft usually needs removal. The endoprosthesis has minimal risk of early complications, but there are higher chances of needing additional surgery. The lifespan of the endoprosthesis is fifteen years on average. If you have endoprosthesis at a young age, it is almost certain you will need reconstruction in the future.
How long will it take to recover after limb salvage?
The recovery period of limb salvage depends on the location of your damage and bone lesion. Wound healing in most patients takes about two weeks. If you require bone healing, your physician may recommend you protect your extremity from major forces or activities like full weight-bearing for six weeks.
Limb salvage is a surgical treatment that helps preserve your limb when malignant tumors affect your bones. It involves your surgeon replacing the affected bone with a metal prosthesis or bone graft. Schedule an appointment at Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE) for limb salvage to preserve your limb and avoid amputation.
