Limb preservation

Our diabetic limb salvage program is designed to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients with diabetic-related limb issues. Our primary goal is to heal you while preventing a complete loss of limb (amputation). Whereas amputation completely removes an extremity, salvaging a limb removes part of the bone and surrounding tissue, before replacing it with a bone graft or metal prosthesis.

A team approach is critical to diabetic limb salvage, and our team of specialists will coordinate directly with your referring physician. Whether you are currently experiencing problems with your legs and feet or are looking for ways to prevent future problems related to diabetes, our multidisciplinary team is here to guide you through this journey.

Program features

The diabetic limb salvage program includes:

• Appointment scheduling within 24 to 48 hours of referral
• Individualized, evidence-based treatment plan
• Education, including nutrition and diabetes management skills for home use
• Long-term follow-up care
• Nurse navigator
• Nutritional counseling and diabetes management
• Preventive limb care, including off-loading, pressure relief and routine foot care

Diabetes nurse navigator

For your convenience, we have a nurse navigator who is available to you by phone and during your appointments. They help with communication and care coordination and are available to answer your questions and address concerns. To speak to our diabetes nurse navigator, please call (804) 483-4043.

Our experienced orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in the complex process of reconstructing your extremities. Our team uses advanced surgical techniques and medical devices to treat even the most challenging limb reconstruction and trauma cases.

Candidates for limb reconstruction surgery

You may be a candidate for reconstruction if you had:

• Improperly healed fracture
• Malignant tumor removal surgery
• Traumatic injury

Limb reconstruction and cancer

Limb reconstruction surgery is often a part of treatment for different types of cancer. If you have multiple bone tumors, surgery may be recommended. By using leading-edge medical techniques, our surgeons work hard to prevent amputation. The duration of limb reconstruction surgery depends on your condition and the type of operation being performed.

You and your surgeon can make the decision to undergo surgery based on the type of cancer you have, the spread of cancer and how well you are functioning. Your surgeon may also recommend treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a combination or another drug regimen.

Materials used for limb reconstruction

When undergoing limb reconstruction, surgeons may use tissue taken from another part of your body or tissue from a donor. Depending on your individual needs, our surgeons may also use a variety of materials, such as:

• Bone cement and bone transplant tissue
• Metal screws and plates
• Modular bone and joint replacements
• Thin metal rods

What to expect after surgery

Our orthopedic care center provides you access to physical therapy and rehabilitation to expedite your recovery. The duration of your rehabilitation regimen will depend on the type of procedure you have.

Our limb preservation program treats patients with even the most complex conditions and diseases. To provide effective treatment, our team includes medical professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Cardiologists
• Endocrinologists
• Infectious disease specialists
• Interventional radiologists
• Orthopedic specialists
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
• Podiatrists
• Physical therapists
• Sleep medicine specialists
• Vascular medicine specialists
• Wound healing specialists