Limb Salvage Surgery

Best Hospital for Limb-Salvage Surgery in Delhi

With an internationally renowned Orthopaedic team, the Limb Salvage Surgery Unit at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital strive to salvage and preserve the function of the limbs of people who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from complications associated with various types of cancers.

The Unit has an advanced oncological set-up to treat various malignant tumours of limbs using Limb Salvage Surgery. A team of highly trained, compassionate, and experienced doctors use advanced therapies and techniques to avoid amputation and improve the quality of life of patients.

However, in cases where surgery has to be done, the Unit unconditionally supports patients from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and rehabilitation.

What Is Limb Salvage Surgery?

Limb Salvage Surgery is a surgical process of removing the damaged or diseased bone in the limb (arm or leg) affected by the malignant tumour, without actually removing the limb. A bone graft is then used to replace the removed bone. This graft can be of three types:

Autograft: A bone graft taken from the patient's own body
Allograft: A bone graft taken from another person
Allo-prosthetic composite: A combination of bone graft and metal implant

The goal of the surgery is to help save the use and appearance of the limb with minimal complications while maintaining acceptable functionality of the limb. It is also known as Limb-Sparing Surgery.

What Are The Indicators For Limb Salvage Surgery?

The major indicators that highlight the need for Limb Salvage Surgery are:

Used in the treatment of high-grade malignancies of the
1. Proximal Humerus
2. Scapula
3. Clavicle
4. Shoulder and its joints
5. Rotator cuff or glenohumeral joint
6. Periscapular soft tissue

What Are The Conditions Treated Under Limb Salvage Surgery?

Some of the major conditions treated under Limb Salvage Surgery are:

Peripheral artery disease
Traumatic injuries
Diabetic foot disease
Osteosarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma
Bone resorption and fracture
Impending fractures in limb
Limb fungation
Malignancy of joints

What Are The Steps Required For The Preparation Of The Surgery?

Inform the doctor about current medication and past medical history so as to prepare for any complication beforehand
Undergo the entire tests including pre-anaesthetic check-up for evaluation of current health condition, before the surgery.
Ask a family member to accompany the patient on the day of surgery
Arrange for crutches or a wheelchair as one might need them after the surgery
Be both physically as well as mentally prepared for the surgery
Do some exercises to help strengthen muscles with the help of a Physiotherapist

What Are The Precautions One Must Take Before And After The Surgery?

The important precautionary measures one must consider before and after the surgery are:

Before the surgery:

One week prior to surgery, refrain from taking medicines such as:
1. Aspirin
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
Avoid eating or drinking anything a night prior to surgery
Abstain from drinking alcohol.

After the surgery:

Take follow-up visits with the orthopaedic surgeon every 6 months until full recovery
In case of fever, pain, swelling, redness, any discomfort, contact the healthcare provider
Take prescribed medicines on time
Exercise daily as suggested by the Physiotherapist to recover strength and flexibility

Are There Any Complications Involved?

Surgery in any form comes with some or other kinds of complications. A patient who undergoes Limb Salvage Surgery may experience following complications, such as:
Infection at the site of the surgery