When you have a severe diabetic wound that has become infected and is spreading, you may be faced with only two options: amputation or limb salvage. Deciding between the two isn’t always easy. How can you tell?
In many cases, there isn’t a clear-cut choice from a medical perspective—it boils down to matters such as your occupation, lifestyle, long-term goals, social support system, and even disposition.
Early amputation is the safer option—it’s quicker and comes with less risk—but also means you have to learn to live without part of your foot or leg permanently. By contrast, limb salvage surgery may offer the chance to preserve a greater degree of limb function, but because it may involve several complex procedures (such as bone and skin grafts, synthetic implants, vascular treatments, and reconstructive surgery) there is a longer road to recovery, with a much higher chance of failure or complications.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. While we can’t make any guarantees, our practice has a passion for limb salvage and will do everything in our power to provide the best possible life for you after your surgery, whatever you decide. To make an appointment, please call 888-689-3317 today.
