The Washington University Limb Preservation Program provides innovative, expert care to patients at risk for limb amputation, combining acute and critical care surgery, orthopaedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, and vascular and endovascular surgery. Our multi-specialty team helps patients with traumatic injury, or complications from disease, avoid amputation with skilled, compassionate care.

We offer convenient, multidisciplinary care and use the latest cutting-edge advances in surgery to provide the best short-term and long-term results. Our program offers timely testing and evaluation, wound healing and infection treatment. We work together to provide efficient care, ongoing surveillance and patient education to reduce the risk of a repeat problem.

To schedule an appointment or make a referral, call: 314-273-5462 (LIMB)

To request a callback or an appointment, please complete our contact request form.

Conditions Treated

There are many conditions that may put a person at risk for amputation. Often, a combination of factors will increase a person’s risk. Washington University Limb Preservation surgeons treat conditions including:

  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Critical limb ischemia/chronic limb-threatening ischemia
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Venous disorders
  • Chronic, non-healing wounds of the upper and lower extremities associated with fracture/trauma
  • Nonunions or malunions associated with severe limb deformity, nerve dysfunction, or previous/current wounds
  • Other limb-threatening conditions such as lymphedema and other vascular anomalies
Convenient, Coordinated Care

Studies show that a coordinated, multidisciplinary limb preservation program significantly improves the chances of avoiding major amputation when faced with limb-threatening conditions.

We help guide our patients through the appointment and treatment process, providing access to different specialists in as few visits as possible. With clinical locations across the St. Louis area, we provide convenient access and follow-up care to ensure the best long-term outcomes.

Second Opinion Before Amputation

If you have been recommended to undergo a major amputation, the WashU Limb Preservation team can provide an expedited second opinion regarding your options.

Testing and Diagnosis

Before your first visit, we will ask to see any previous tests you may have had. Seeing these tests will help our team plan for your treatment. Tests we may ask to see include:

  • Previous vascular study labs
  • Arterial blood flow ultrasounds
  • X rays, CT angiograms or MR angiograms of leg blood vessels
  • Previous advanced imaging, such as tissue concentration of oxygen
  • Any prior pictures of leg blood vessels from angioplasty, stenting or atherectomy
  • Any other lab tests

Our team may order repeat tests to see any changes in blood flow, disease processes or potential for healing. These tests will help us guide your therapy for the best outcome.

Treatment

Washington University Limb Preservation surgeons provide high-quality care to save limbs and preserve function whenever possible. The Limb Preservation Program draws on multidisciplinary expertise in Acute and Critical Care Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Vascular Surgery to ensure that you receive comprehensive treatment. These surgical treatments include:

  • Angiography
  • Vascular and endovascular surgery for arterial reconstruction or revascularization
  • Wound Debridement
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
  • Soft Tissue Reconstruction
  • Flap Surgery
  • Microvascular Surgery
  • Bone Reconstruction