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Specialization:
Limb Salvage & Reconstruction
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Consultant:
Dr. Dipmalya Chatterjee
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Focus Areas:
Trauma & Tumor Reconstruction
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Certifications:
Board Certified Reconstructive Surgeon
Advanced Limb Reconstruction & Preservation Surgery
Limb reconstruction and preservation surgery encompasses a range of sophisticated techniques aimed at salvaging and restoring function to extremities affected by severe trauma, bone tumors, infections, or congenital defects. Our multidisciplinary approach combines principles from orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and microsurgery to achieve the primary goal: preserving a functional, sensate limb with optimal aesthetic appearance whenever possible, avoiding amputation.
Limb Reconstruction Techniques
Free Fibula Flap Transfer
Microvascular transfer of fibula bone with blood supply to reconstruct extensive bone defects in upper or lower limbs.
Digit & Limb Replantation
Microsurgical reattachment of amputated digits or limbs with restoration of blood flow, nerve repair, and bony fixation.
Ilizarov Technique & Bone Transport
Gradual bone lengthening and deformity correction using circular external fixation for complex bone defects.
Soft Tissue Coverage Procedures
Free tissue transfer (ALT, latissimus, gracilis flaps) to provide vascularized coverage for exposed bone, joints, or hardware.
Post-Tumor Limb Salvage
Limb-sparing surgery after tumor resection with reconstruction using prosthetics, allografts, or vascularized bone grafts.
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Transplantation of vascularized composite tissues (hand, face) for select patients with devastating limb loss.
The Limb Salvage Process
Limb preservation requires careful assessment of the "limb salvage index" considering factors like vascular status, nerve function, soft tissue coverage, bone stability, and patient factors. We employ a staged approach beginning with thorough debridement, stabilization with external or internal fixation, soft tissue coverage with vascularized flaps, and subsequent reconstructive procedures for bone defects, nerve gaps, and tendon transfers. Multidisciplinary collaboration with orthopedic oncologists, vascular surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists is essential throughout the process.
Our Team Approach
Coordinated care involving multiple surgical specialties ensures optimal functional outcomes.
- Orthopedic oncology collaboration
- Vascular surgery involvement
- Microsurgical expertise
- Rehabilitation integration
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery from limb reconstruction is a prolonged process requiring patience and commitment. Initial hospitalization focuses on flap monitoring, pain control, and prevention of complications. The rehabilitation phase involves specialized physical and occupational therapy to restore range of motion, strength, and functional use of the reconstructed limb. Multiple secondary procedures (tendon transfers, nerve grafting, scar revisions) may be required over months to years to optimize outcomes. Our team provides ongoing support throughout this journey to maximize functional recovery and quality of life.