Limb Salvage Surgery For Tumors

Yashoda hospital surgeons are among the best Orthopaedic surgeons in the country who constantly strive to save and preserve the function of – the limbs of people who have experienced trauma or who suffer from complications associated with various types of cancer conditions as an alternative to amputation in children and adults with malignant tumors.

We at Yashoda Hospital offer an incredible advanced oncological setup to treat various malignant tumours of limbs using limb salvage surgery. We are home to various highly trained, compassionate, and experienced doctors who use advanced therapies and techniques to avoid amputation.

However, in cases where surgery is a must, we comprehensively support patients throughout their journey 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 two types:

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

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

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

What Are The Conditions Treated Under Limb Salvage Surgery?

Some of the major conditions we treat under Limb Salvage Surgery include:

• 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

How Should You Prepare For The Surgery?

• Talk to your doctor about your condition and make them aware of your medical history.
• Make sure you fully understand the procedure of the surgery.
• You can ask any questions concerning you about the surgery.
• Prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the surgery.

What Are The Precautions You Should Take Before And After The Surgery?

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

Before the surgery:

• A patient has to undergo pre-operative tests or lab work prescribed by their doctor.
• Arrange someone to assist you after surgery.
• With the help of a physiotherapist, do some exercises to help strengthen your muscles.
• Refrain one week prior to surgery, from taking medicines like
  • Aspirin
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Avoid eating or drinking anything the night before surgery.
• Abstain from drinking alcohol.

After the surgery:

• Take Follow-up visits with your orthopaedic surgeon every six months until you recover fully.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, pain, swelling, redness, or experience any discomfort.
• Take your prescribed medicines on time.
• Exercises daily, as suggested by your physiotherapist this will help you recover strength and flexibility.

Are There Any Complications Involved?

Surgery in any form comes with some of the 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 after surgery care.