Limb preservation surgery is a crucial option for individuals facing bone tumors. Those dealing with significant bone loss around the hip and knee due to malignant or aggressive benign bone tumors, infections, joint replacements, or trauma often consider this procedure. It involves the skilled use of modular segmental endoprostheses to reconstruct and restore functionality in the affected limb. The prosthetic construct must perform seamlessly under challenging conditions, ensuring stability and resilience.
During the surgery, artificial implants are used to replace the affected bone, effectively addressing the tumor. The procedure involves meticulous reconstruction, adapting to the unique conditions of the remaining bone, muscle, and soft tissues. The goal is to achieve functional restoration, allowing the patient to regain mobility and independence.
Post-surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is implemented, with a key focus on physical therapy. This aids in regaining strength, flexibility, and function in the limb. The rehabilitative process aims to minimize discomfort, improve stability, and optimize the patient's ability to engage in daily activities. Successful limb preservation surgery often results in lasting strength, reduced reliance on pain management, and an elevated overall quality of life. This procedure provides a pathway for individuals to embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle, marked by restored limb function and improved well-being.
Candidates and Context:
Limb preservation surgery emerges as a vital consideration under specific circumstances. It offers a potential solution for individuals dealing with significant bone loss around the hip and knee due to various factors. This includes the treatment of malignant bone tumors, aggressive benign bone tumors, infections, multiple revised and failed joint replacements, and severe trauma, particularly in elderly osteoporotic patients. The approach involves extensive reconstruction to maintain limb function and enhance overall quality of life.
The Surgical Process:
Limb preservation surgery requires meticulous preoperative planning. Anesthesia is skillfully administered, with options such as general anesthesia inducing deep sleep or regional anesthesia for localized numbness. Once anesthesia takes effect, the surgical team proceeds with creating a carefully measured incision. This incision provides access for intricate steps that involve replacing affected bone segments with artificial implants. Specialized techniques are employed to ensure stability, function, and optimal integration of the implants with the remaining bone and soft tissues.
Rehabilitation and Recovery:
Following limb preservation surgery, a well-structured rehabilitation program plays a pivotal role in the recovery process. Physical therapy becomes instrumental in regaining strength, mobility, and function of the preserved limb. The initial strides towards embracing an improved quality of life and enhanced mobility commence during this phase. Limb preservation surgery, akin to the skillful restoration of a complex structure, contributes to enduring limb stability and function, enabling individuals to pursue an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Before Surgery
After Surgery