Every three minutes in the United States, a limb is amputated because of diabetes complications. At Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. in The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Gregory Stanley, MD, MBA, FAAOS, and the team offer diabetic limb salvage to save limbs. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
What is diabetic limb salvage?
Diabetic limb salvage at Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. involves procedures that preserve the function of limbs in people with diabetes complications.
The skilled and compassionate team is highly trained in advanced therapies that reduce the need for amputation, saving a damaged or infected limb whenever possible.
Why is diabetes related to limb loss?
When not managed effectively, diabetes can lead to poor circulation, nerve damage, numbness, foot ulcers (open sores), non-healing wounds, and infections. When infections spread and become severe, amputation is sometimes necessary.
People with diabetes who are at risk of needing limb amputation include those over 55, individuals who have had diabetes or kidney problems for a long time, and those who smoke (or were heavy smokers in the past).
Am I a candidate for diabetic limb salvage?
If you have diabetes and struggle with foot ulcers or similar diabetes complications, diabetic limb salvage may be right for you.
The experts at Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. review your symptoms and medical history, examine your limbs, and may order diagnostic tests to determine which treatment is the most appropriate.
For example, you might need an MRI, CT scan, or blood flow testing.
What does diabetic limb salvage consist of?
Diabetic limb salvage procedures available at Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. to help save a limb include:
- Tendon or bone lengthening
- Surgical debridement (removing dead or damaged tissues)
- Medications
- Dressings
- Negative pressure wound therapy
- Advanced skin substitutes
- Skin grafting
- Offloading devices
- Custom orthotics
- Revascularization techniques to boost blood flow
- Bone resection procedures
- Incision and drainage
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Reconstruction
The experts at Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C., use advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies to reduce your risk of needing amputation. They personalize treatment plans that optimize limb salvage outcomes.
It’s also important to effectively manage blood sugar to reduce the risk of future limb problems.
Eat nutritious foods, stay active, maintain an ideal weight, take diabetes medications as instructed, check your blood sugar regularly, and seek treatment at the first sign of diabetes-related foot damage to avoid complications.
Schedule a diabetic limb salvage evaluation at Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
