What is Limb Salvage Surgery?
Limb salvage is a procedure that substitutes a diseased bone by means of a metal-implant, bone-graft or a mixture of bone graft and metal implant. The purpose of this procedure is to minimize the complications of the tumor while maintainingan acceptable function, durability and appearance. After evaluating many factors such as your age and overall health, the surgeon will recommend limb salvage surgery.
What are the symptoms for Limb Salvage Surgery? Â
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Anemia
Evaluations for Limb Salvage SurgeryÂ
- X-rays
- Blood Tests
- MRI
- CT Scan
Treatment for Limb Salvage Surgery
The limb salvage consists of cancer removal and about one inch of healthy tissue. It may be replaced by plates, bone parts taken from a patient’s own body or bone parts taken from the donor’s body and frozen up until needed for transplantation. Transplanted bone eventually develops into the remaining bone of the patient. Prior to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can be used for the shrinkage of the tumor. In three stages, Limb salvage is performed. Surgeons will remove cancer an d the good tissue margin, implant the prosthesis or bone graft and close the wound with the soft tissue and muscles transferred to the surgical site from other part of the patient’s body.
Estimated Costs
The cost will depend upon case to case basis depending upon the condition of the limb and customized implant required.
