Who is a candidate for limb salvage surgery or limb restoration?
Candidates for limb salvage surgery or limb restoration usually have serious damage from trauma or disease, but they may differ in the degree of damage, recency of trauma, and urgency of treatment.
People who qualify for limb salvage surgery are typically those facing the possibility of immediate amputation due to severe injuries or disease, such as:
- Bone or soft tissue tumors
- Severe and complex tissue damage from frostbite, vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, or heavy equipment injuries
- Severe or chronic infections that harm or destroy bones, muscles, or other soft tissues
People who qualify for limb restoration are those whose limbs are still intact but have lost function, or those whose limbs have become painful due to nerve damage, scarring, or other issues. They may have previously undergone repair or reconstructive surgery. Limb restoration may be recommended for people experiencing:
- Limited range of motion, difficulty bearing weight, or loss of strength due to injury or disease
- Lingering pain in the limb that may benefit from nerve repair or reconstruction
- Scars or structural deformities that limit function or cause discomfort