Limb preservation

You are at a higher risk of losing a limb if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Blood clotting disorder
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease
• Claudication (pain in legs when walking)
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Hyperlipidemia
• Increased sensory loss of an extremity
• Nonhealing ulcer
• Nonhealing wounds
• Tobacco use

If you have any of the conditions above, it's important to notify your physician if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may indicate issues in your limb that could ultimately require amputation:

• Blue color in toes
• Legs and arms turning reddish-blue or pale
• Leg cramps when lying in bed
• Numbness or heaviness in muscles
• Reduced hair growth on legs
• Severe burning or thick and opaque toenails
• Thin or pale skin on legs and feet
• Weak pulse in legs and feet
• Wounds or ulcers that won’t heal

To help prevent complications and preserve limbs, make sure you are following these recommendations:

• Adopt healthy eating habits.
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar level.
• Keep cholesterol levels under control.
• Reduce high blood pressure.

We offer many types of treatments that may help you avoid or minimize amputation, including:

• Ankle-brachial index
• Arterial duplex
• Endovascular surgery
• Flap surgery
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Microvascular surgery
• Peripheral angiography
• Wound debridement

If you have problems with your legs and feet, or if you are looking for ways to prevent future issues, our team is here to guide you. We believe a multidisciplinary team approach is critical to saving your limb.

Our team works with you and your existing healthcare providers, and is here to help you and your family with communication and coordination of healthcare among various providers. Our program is composed of specialists in the following areas:

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Diagnostic imaging
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Interventional cardiology
• Interventional radiology
• Wound care

Our limb preservation program features a personalized approach. We offer the following services if you are in danger of losing a limb:

• A comprehensive evaluation to develop an personalized care plan based on established protocols and unique needs
• Education, including nutrition and diabetes management skills for home use
• Prevention, including offloading, pressure relief and routine care
• Extended follow-up care