Orthopaedic Oncology
Limb Sparing Surgery
If your tumor is growing on your arm or leg bones, your doctor may want to talk to you about limb sparing surgery. This advanced surgical technique is your best chance for saving the limb and not having to wear a prosthesis. Only an experienced orthopaedic oncologist can help you make the decision about whether to choose limb sparing surgery. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits with you, including what the chances are for recurrence if this type of surgery is performed.
About Limb Sparing Surgery at Wake Forest
At Wake Forest, our orthopaedic oncologists have perfected limb sparing, or limb salvage surgery. During limb sparing surgery, your surgeon will remove the malignant tumor, as well as surrounding bone, ligament and other tissues. If necessary, your surgeon will use bone allografts, material that can strengthen the area where the tumor was growing, or metal implants to replace some of the bone or tissue that was lost. Patients who have these procedures do not have to wear a prosthesis, and after rehabilitative therapy, are able to go back to their normal lives and things they love to do.