Facing Amputation? Why a Second Opinion from a Certified Wound Specialist Could Save Your Leg

Slightly more than 2.3 million Americans are living with limb loss due to amputation, and more than 90% of these occur in the lower extremities, typically due to diabetes and vascular disease.

What each of these people can tell you is that life can be permanently changed after limb loss, so it’s a decision that should be well thought out and researched.

At Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County, board-certified wound specialist Dr. Thomas Rambacher is a big advocate of foot and limb salvage and has dedicated his practice to helping people heal from problematic foot, ankle, or leg wounds without amputation.

So, if you’re being told that amputation is the next step in your wound journey, it’s time to get a second opinion to be sure.

Amputation is a last, and irreversible, step

It may seem obvious to say, but one of the biggest reasons why you should get a second opinion on amputation with us is due to the fact that there’s no coming back from it.

Broken out, about 39% of amputations in the lower extremities involve toes, which is preferable. That said, even losing toes can limit or change your mobility.

Another 25% of amputations are below the knee and 20% are above the knee. As you might imagine, these types of amputations are life-altering.

So, no matter the size of the amputation, getting a second opinion is important because each of these scenarios is irreversible.

Getting to the right wound care expert is paramount

There are many well-meaning medical providers that might suggest amputation, not knowing that there are other options.

Wound care is a highly specialized field and we’re making new advancements all the time. Since wound care is his specialty, Dr. Rambacher is in lockstep with emerging science and technologies and he applies all of them to his limb salvage practices.

For example, at our practice, we offer a long list of solutions that we try before turning to amputation, such as:

• Off-loading measures (eliminating pressure on the wound)
• External fixation
• Surgical debridement
• Flap reconstruction
• Bone and skin grafting
• Revascularization (improving blood flow to the wound)
• Prescription wound care products

And overseeing all of these procedures is a medical provider who uniquely understands wound healing. In fact, Dr. Rambacher has helped scores of clients to avoid amputation and he leaves no stone unturned in these efforts.

A second opinion for peace of mind

When you’re up against something as serious as amputation, you want to make sure that you’ve done your due diligence and explored your options. While we understand that a long, and likely painful, journey has brought you to this point and you just want it to be over, wait just a little longer so that you can be sure that you’re on the right treatment path.

In one consultation with Dr. Ramabacher, you can gather the information you need to make the best decision for your goals.

To sit down and discuss amputation or other options with Dr. Rambacher, please feel free to call our office in Mission Viejo, California, at 949-832-6018 or request an appointment online today.