Limb Salvage & Preservation in New Canaan, CT
At New Canaan Podiatry, limb preservation is not just a service — it is a commitment. For patients facing the risk of foot or leg amputation, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, employs every available tool and technique to save the limb and preserve your mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Whether your situation involves a non-healing diabetic wound, severe infection, peripheral artery disease, or complex structural deformity, our New Canaan, CT practice is equipped with the advanced capabilities and specialized expertise to fight for your limb at every stage.
Book OnlineWhy Limb Preservation Matters
Amputation is far more than a physical loss. Research shows that patients who undergo lower limb amputation face significantly increased risks of depression, social isolation, and the need for long-term care. They also have higher rates of hospital readmission from amputation-related complications.
Successful limb salvage, by contrast, helps patients maintain walking independence, return to productive daily activities, and enjoy a substantially better long-term quality of life. At New Canaan Podiatry, we pursue every possible avenue before amputation is considered.
Conditions That Put Limbs at Risk
The conditions most commonly threatening limb viability include:
- Diabetic foot ulcers — The leading cause of non-traumatic amputation; open wounds that heal slowly or fail to heal due to neuropathy and poor circulation
- Severe foot or leg infections — Particularly those involving deep tissue or bone (osteomyelitis)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — Reduced blood flow that starves tissue of oxygen and nutrients
- Charcot foot — Progressive bone and joint destruction that can lead to unmanageable deformity
- Tumors and other complex structural conditions
Our Limb Salvage Approaches
Dr. Tauber is highly skilled and trained in the full spectrum of limb preservation techniques:
- Reconstructive joint surgery — Restoring structural integrity to deformed or damaged joints
- External fixation — Stabilizing bones externally to allow healing while maintaining alignment
- Advanced wound care — Using evidence-based protocols to stimulate healing in chronic, non-healing wounds
- Skin grafting — Transplanting healthy skin to cover wounds that cannot heal on their own
- Soft tissue expansion — Creating new tissue to cover and protect exposed structures
- Placental-based grafts — Biologically active grafts that leverage growth factors to accelerate wound healing
- Liposana Treatment — Innovative fat tissue therapy to support structural repair
- Coordination with vascular surgery — When PAD is contributing, Dr. Tauber collaborates with vascular specialists to restore blood flow before wound care is initiated
The Role of Prevention
Many patients at highest risk for amputation — particularly those with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy — may not feel pain or notice early signs of a problem. Regular podiatric checkups with Dr. Tauber are the most powerful tool available for catching complications before they reach a limb-threatening stage.
If you or a loved one is at risk, do not wait for a crisis. Call New Canaan Podiatry today at (203) 548-7688 or schedule an evaluation online. Also see: amputation prevention, diabetic foot care, Charcot foot.
Limb Salvage & Preservation FAQs
What is limb salvage surgery?
Limb salvage surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures aimed at saving a threatened limb from amputation. Depending on the cause of the threat, this may involve wound debridement, tendon reconstruction, external fixation, bone reconstruction, or skin grafting.
Who is a candidate for limb salvage procedures?
Patients with diabetic foot ulcers, severe infections, Charcot foot deformity, or peripheral artery disease that has placed the limb at risk are potential candidates. Dr. Tauber performs a thorough evaluation to determine which limb salvage approach is most appropriate for your situation.
What is external fixation?
External fixation is a surgical technique in which a rigid framework is attached to the outside of the limb to stabilize fractured or reconstructed bones while they heal. It is a key tool in Charcot foot reconstruction and allows Dr. Tauber to monitor soft tissue healing more easily than internal fixation methods.
How do placental-based grafts work?
Placental-based grafts contain growth factors and cellular components derived from donated placental tissue. When applied to chronic wounds, they stimulate the body’s natural healing cascade, promoting tissue regeneration and wound closure in cases where conventional wound care has been insufficient.
Can limb salvage procedures guarantee I won’t need amputation?
While limb salvage dramatically reduces amputation rates, outcomes depend on the severity of the underlying condition, the patient’s overall health, and their ability to follow through with treatment. Dr. Tauber pursues every possible option before considering amputation.
How does Dr. Tauber work with other specialists for complex cases?
For complex limb-threatening conditions, Dr. Tauber collaborates closely with vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, endocrinologists, and other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive approach to your care.
What can I do to reduce my risk of limb loss?
Controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes, not smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, wearing appropriate footwear, performing daily foot inspections, and attending regular podiatric checkups at New Canaan Podiatry are the most effective preventive measures.