When managing conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, losing a limb may be the complication that is furthest from your mind. However, diabetes and vascular conditions account for more than half of the planned surgical amputations performed in the United States every year.
In reality, many of these limbs could be saved. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, our limb preservation experts want to eliminate these preventable amputations through proactive disease management paired with early and timely interventions. The success of the Ohio State Comprehensive Wound Center and our limb preservation services comes from a unique ability to draw on the expertise of healthcare professionals from multiple medical specialties. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, we use the best practices from each discipline to create a pathway to healing and the best possible outcomes.
What is limb preservation?
Complications from diabetes and vascular conditions can include nerve damage and poor blood flow, leading to skin sores called ulcers. These sores can turn into major issues if not treated quickly and properly. That’s why people with these conditions can be at high risk for a foot or leg amputation.
Limb preservation, also called limb salvage, is a group of collaborative services aimed at helping heal these difficult-to-treat wounds. Limb salvage also ultimately works to prevent these wounds from ever occurring. Our podiatrists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and other specialists will work together to devise a plan to preserve your limb and its functionality whenever possible.
How is limb preservation different from limb restoration at Ohio State?
Limb preservation focuses on maintaining the existing limb and often involves early intervention techniques to help those with diabetes or other vascular conditions that may threaten their limbs.
In contrast, limb restoration aims to optimize both function and quality of life in limbs that have already experienced significant injury due to trauma, fractures that won’t heal or bone cancer. In some cases, an amputation may be appropriate. If you do end up needing an amputation, no matter the cause, our advanced amputation and limb restoration services can help you achieve the best possible outcomes of that surgery.
Conditions treated by the limb preservation team
Our limb preservation team focuses on diabetic and vascular conditions that can threaten your limbs if not managed properly. The more common conditions we treat include:
- Diabetic foot ulcers or other diabetes-related wound infections
- Advanced peripheral arterial disease (where your arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup)
- Acute and chronic infections
- Deformities
Our limb preservation experts are also a great resource for second opinions. If your physician has mentioned amputation as a possible outcome of your condition, our wound healing team can assess your situation and offer potential alternative treatments that may result in a more positive outcome.
Who might you see on the limb preservation team?
From your first visit, you’ll notice that our limb preservation services combine expert medical treatments with personalized, convenient care. We collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines and departments to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and the most advanced treatment. Throughout your visit or care, you may meet with one or more of these limb preservation team members:
- Endocrinologists (doctors who specialize in diabetes care)
- Vascular surgeons (surgeons who operate on arteries and veins)
- Podiatrists (foot specialists)
- Plastic surgeons and microsurgeons
- Physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors)
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Rehabilitation psychologists
- Dietitians
- Advanced practice providers
Diagnostic tools used in limb preservation
We specialize in using pain-free imaging technologies to determine blood flow and blood oxygen content to help determine the cause of many slow-healing wounds. Our advanced digital technologies allow for quick information transfer, which means faster, more accurate diagnoses and earlier starts to appropriate treatments. To get an accurate diagnosis, we may use one or more of these tools:
- Ultrasound, or sonography – This quick and painless test uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures in the body without radiation exposure. This powerful imaging tool helps doctors diagnose disease and gather information to plan an ongoing, successful treatment program.
- Transcutaneous oxygen measurement – This noninvasive test measures the blood flow and oxygen levels in tissue. Doctors use this exam to evaluate circulation, determine your tissue’s healing capacity and decide which treatments will be most effective.
Advanced limb preservation treatments
After diagnosis, your expert wound healing team will design a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach that offers the best pathway for optimal healing and limb preservation. Depending on the severity of your wounds, their causes and your overall condition, we may recommend these treatments:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – During this painless, noninvasive treatment, you’ll breathe in pure oxygen in a compression chamber to increase oxygen levels in tissues to improve healing.
- Minimally invasive vascular procedures – These can help diagnose and treat vascular conditions, such as narrowed or blocked arteries, as well as improve circulation and promote healing.
- Complex surgical reconstruction – This is where our plastic surgeons repair damaged tissue, restore circulation and promote healing during more advanced surgeries.
Ongoing and preventive limb preservation care
The Ohio State Comprehensive Wound Center offers ongoing care as well as referrals to other medical and rehabilitation services that promote healing, wellness and the prevention of recurring wounds. These therapies include:
- Medication management for underlying conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases
- Mental and behavioral healthcare
- Lifestyle changes, such as help with exercise or diet
- Physical or occupational therapy
How to make an appointment with limb preservation
A physician referral isn’t necessary. You can schedule your own appointment by calling the Ohio State Comprehensive Wound Center at 614-293-4811. You can typically see an Ohio State wound specialist within seven days. In addition, parking is free and convenient.