Feature Articles: Limb Sparing Surgery

Any threat to the loss of a limb, without question, represents a serious threat to the affected individual. Not only does loss of a limb imply re-learning the way daily activities are carried out, but also there is a tremendous emotional and psychosocial implication. This may translate into undue and recurrent stress in the individual's life. Yet there are a number of disease processes that may threaten the loss of a limb. These disease processes range from accidental events to endocrinopathies and cancer. It is no wonder that a comprehensive limb salvage treatment must employ a multimodality approach.

This issue of Jacksonville Medicine reviews various areas of limb salvage. We are rather fortunate to draw from the expertise and experiences of the authors, who are faced with these issues on a routine basis. Dr. Lee Theophelis discusses initial assessment and soft tissue reconstruction in limb salvage, while Dr. Samuel Agnew focuses on the decision-making dilemma and technical challenges in lower extremity limb salvage. The intricacies and procedures of upper extremity salvage are presented by Dr. Mark Lemel, and both Drs. Garry Kitay and Bruce Steinberg address the issue of upper extremity replantation. Finally, Dr. Kamela Scott addresses the ever so important psychological urgency facing a patient with new onset physical disability and deformity.

This is an exciting issue of the Journal dealing with a sensitive subject. I sincerely thank the authors for their creativity and willingness to contribute to our educational endeavor.

Boniface Ndubisi, M.D.
Associate Professor and Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
University of Florida Health Science Center / Jacksonville

Jacksonville Medicine / May, 1998

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