Limb Salvage Surgery in Delhi, India
Overview
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.
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
- Proximal Humerus
- Scapula
- Clavicle
- Shoulder and its joints
- Rotator cuff or glenohumeral joint
- Periscapular soft tissue
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
Limb Salvage Surgery Preparation
- 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
After Limb Salvage Surgery Precautions
The important precautionary measures one must consider before and after the surgery are:
Before Limb Salvage Surgery
- One week prior to surgery, refrain from taking medicines such as:
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
- Avoid eating or drinking anything a night prior to surgery
- Abstain from drinking alcohol.
After Limb Salvage 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.
Complications of Limb Salvage Surgery
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
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Loosening of implants
- Shifting of implants
- Breakage of implants
- Rapid loss of blood flow
- Loss of sensation in the affected limb
- Severe blood loss
- Anaemia
These complications are not severe and can be managed easily if a patient takes proper care after surgery.