Limb salvage is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased bone and reconstructs a functional limb by using a metal implant, a bone graft from another person (allograft), or a combination bone graft and metal implant (allo-prosthetic composite).
The goal of this type of surgery is to remove the tumor with minimal complications while maintaining acceptable function, durability, and appearance of the limb.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the tumor and affected tissue, as well as about one inch of healthy surrounding tissue. If part of a bone is removed during this time, it is replaced; often using synthetic metal rods, prostheses, or pieces of bone (grafts). Soft tissue and muscle from other parts of the body are then used to close the wound. Over time, the replacement bone fuses together with the original bone, making limb movement possible.