Limb preservation

Limb and joint preservation in Denver

If you have a limb- or joint-threatening condition, our care goals are preservation and progress.

We understand that potential limb loss, and discussing treatment, can be daunting. But at OrthoONE in Colorado's Rocky Mountain Region, our specialists can make things a little easier for you. We are experts in correcting abnormalities, healing infections and treating fractures to help you keep as much of your limb and function as possible.

Limb and joint preservation services we offer

From medication management and limb preservation surgery to bone oncology, our specialists are here to work with your unique condition. Our primary objective is to determine the best course of action to help you have the most functional lifestyle.

Our limb preservation program

Limb-jeopardizing conditions can be unsettling. Our limb preservation program is rooted in collaboration, as we analyze your particular condition and form a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique needs. We not only fully explain your treatment options, but empower you to make informed decisions about your care.

We also work closely with the Limb Preservation Foundation to provide medical, emotional and financial support for you and your family.

Additionally, the Institute for Limb Preservation at our OrthoONE at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center location positions us as a unique resource for the area. When you come to us for your care, you work with a multidisciplinary collection of specialists, including orthopedic, vascular and plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, musculoskeletal pathologists and both physical and occupational therapists.

Advanced limb preservation care

We may refer you to our partners at Colorado Limb Consultants (CLC) if you are experiencing unique conditions such as sarcoma, avascular necrosis or bone infections. When it comes to more complex orthopedic and orthopedic oncological procedures, we are proud to partner with CLC because, like us, they believe in developing long-term medical relationships, keeping your goals front of mind and giving you complete autonomy in your care. From consultations and surgery through recovery and maintenance, we will all be with you every step of the way.

Imaging and laboratory testing

Your care journey with us typically begins with a tailored physical examination and analysis of your medical history. For example, during a physical examination, you may be asked to move limbs in certain ways or walk around. However, to most accurately determine the severity or existence of your condition, your physician may order a series of other tests so that we are set up for success with your condition.

Imaging and laboratory testing is also used to help us understand potential risks or other issues you may have with your bones and joints. We also use these tests to examine blood flow before, during and after your procedure, to ensure proper accuracy during surgery and to determine the success of your procedure.

The diverse suite of imaging and laboratory tests we offer includes:

• Bone scans
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Vascular testing
• X-rays

Nonsurgical treatments for limb conditions

In many cases, limb-related conditions can be addressed through nonsurgical means. From FAI and arthritis to tears and hip dysplasia, we use nonsurgical treatments whenever possible, so as not to put your body through any unnecessary stress.

Before that time comes, if at all, your treatment plan may include one of or a combination of the below:

• Activity and lifestyle modifications
• Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal medications
• Braces
• Clot-dissolving medications
• Injections
• Physical and/or occupational therapy
• Walking aids

Nonsurgical treatments can slow the progression of certain conditions, but may not stop them altogether, thus requiring surgery. If nonsurgical means are completely ineffective or have simply run their course, we will work with you to determine the best course of surgical treatment.

Limb-salvaging surgical treatments

Limb conditions require specialized treatment, and this is why our care team encompasses so many different disciplines. To continue to deliver effective treatment, we need to be able to treat a diverse range of conditions, and that's exactly what we do. After your diagnosis and any nonsurgical treatments, your care plan may include one of the numerous surgical procedures we offer.

Arthroscopic surgery

This type of surgery is a minimally invasive method that uses a camera, tiny instruments and small incisions to treat FAI and other hip complications. Arthroscopy allows surgeons to repair damaged cartilage and restore function to systems that support bones and joints.

Additionally, arthroscopic surgery is the means with which we accomplish hip replacement surgery and repair for hip labral tears. This and other minimally invasive methods benefit you by resulting in less pain, less scarring and a faster recovery.

Bone grafts

If you have a damaged or diseased bone, a surgeon may take healthy bone from a different part of your body and insert it into the damaged site to heal the bone in question. A bone graft allows cells in the old bone to join with the cells in the new bone, restoring overall function.

We can use bone grafting on almost any bone in the body, making it a useful tool for limb preservation.

In some rare cases of osteonecrosis fractures that have failed to join through other means, you may need a vascularized bone graft to increase blood flow.

Surgical oncology

If you are experiencing bone cancer in your extremities, you may have tumors that need surgical treatment in order to avoid amputation. After removing the tumors, we can reconstruct the limb and give you back its function as much as possible.

To begin this process, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other drug therapy are typically used for a period of time to shrink the tumor and kill its cells. After the tumor has shrunk, it can be completely removed, along with any surrounding damaged or diseased tissues.