Understanding the Three Levels of Limb Preservation (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Amputation Pre

Conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and venous insufficiency can each lead to the risk of limb amputation, usually in the feet and legs. Limb preservation can help you avoid the life impact of losing important body parts. 

Limb preservation and salvage are disciplinary specialties of Dr. Enrique Hernandez and the team at Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida. Saving limbs requires careful treatment, with the approach depending on the extent of your condition and its associated injuries. 

There are three general classifications of care involved with limb preservation. Today, we’ll look at each level and how it might affect you as a patient. 

Primary limb preservation

The best health treatment in virtually every case is avoiding the condition before it starts. Of course, that’s not always possible, but when it comes to the circulatory disorders that often cause limb-threatening problems, you can make some preventive lifestyle choices. 

General healthy advice goes a long way toward sidestepping the conditions that compromise blood flow in your lower limbs. Common-sense practices such as quitting smoking and controlling excess body weight pay dividends in improving blood flow. 

Choosing a healthy diet full of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats directly addresses heart health. Increasing moderate activity to 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week provides a base fitness level that can also help to achieve these goals. 

Secondary limb preservation

Secondary treatment starts when you develop a foot ulcer or leg wound that resists healing. Wound care becomes a significant level of care to avoid later amputation. 

Secondary limb preservation treatments include: 

• Antibiotics
• Braces and/or orthotics 
• Debridement: Removal of dead tissue
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Targeted nutrition
• Physical therapy
• Skin grafts
• Specialized wound dressings

When limb preservation reaches the secondary stage, it’s common for patients to have a condition management team of physicians to handle the various challenges that such care presents. Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Vein serves as your vascular specialist. 

Tertiary limb preservation

When limb problems become severe, tertiary care is needed. This might directly address the vascular issues that cause your ulcers and wounds. 

Dr. Hernandez specializes in minimally invasive treatments including angioplasty and stenting, atherectomy, and endovenous ablation, techniques that immediately restore circulation and help your body revascularize, making it easier for your body to heal itself. 

In extreme cases, bypass surgery on your legs may be necessary to restore an adequate supply of blood to the lower extremities. 

The process starts with a consultation. With two Miami locations, Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins is conveniently located for you. Call or click to request an appointment today.