Limb Preservation
- For all other requests:
- 1-800-777-8442
It's a frightening and challenging experience when you or a loved one is in danger of losing a hand, arm, leg, or foot.
Trauma, diabetes, bone cancer, chronic infection, and other conditions can put you at risk of losing a limb.
University of Iowa Health Care's limb preservation specialists have changed thousands of people's lives for the better.
They're experts in preventing amputations, preserving mobility, and bringing function back to damaged limbs.
Our team is here to assess your needs and create a comprehensive care plan tailored just for you. They'll guide you through every part of the process of healing and recovering.
A treatment plan tailored for your needs
Whatever the reason you're at risk for a limb loss, our team will work closely with you on a plan to save your limb.
The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your condition so your care team can pinpoint the best treatment.
For example, if you have a wound that won't heal, our leading-edge wound healing therapies include Iowa's largest hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric therapy stimulates the growth of blood vessels and new skin.
Because UI Health Care is a major research institution, you may be eligible for clinical trials.
Specialized care to save your limb
If you need limb preservation surgery, the UI Health Care team includes experts in this extremely specialized type of orthopedic surgery.
These complex procedures require specific training, years of experience, and state-of-the-art surgical tools and techniques.
You'll also have access to the full breadth of UI Health Care expertise. Your team works together closely to help you heal and preserve your independence.
Depending on your unique needs, your treatment team might also include:
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Specialists in orthopedic trauma and fractures
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Specialized physical therapists
Our comprehensive care means that community hospitals from all over the state send their most complex patients to us.
We're able to save limbs from fingertips to shoulders and hips to toes.
Limb preservation tests and treatments
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) tests
- Arterial bypass
- Bone transport
- Deformity correction
- Free flaps
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Infection care
- Internal and external fixation
- Joint fusion
- Joint replacement
- Nerve repair and transfers
- Occupational therapy
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Revascularization
- Rotational flaps
- Skin grafts
- Targeted muscle reinnervation
- Tendon transfer
- Transcutaneous oximetry (tcPO2)
- Vascularized bone transfer
- Venous and arterial ultrasound
- Wound debridement and specialty dressings
Limb preservation conditions treated
- Advanced peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
- Bone infection
- Bone tumor
- Chronic infections
- Chronic wounds
- Complex arm injuries
- Complex leg injuries
- Complications from trauma or tumors
- Critical limb ischemia
- Failed fracture healing
- Gangrene
- Infection of implants (plates and screws)
- Lymphedema
- Malunion
- Nonhealing wounds
- Nonunion
- Osteomyelitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pressure ulcer
- Soft tissue tumor
- Sports-related trauma
- Traumatic wounds