Limb Conserving Surgery

Limb conserving surgery (limb salvage surgery) removes a bone or soft tissue tumour with clear margins while preserving the affected limb. The removed bone is reconstructed using a metal prosthesis or bone graft. The goal is to achieve equivalent cancer control to amputation while keeping the limb functional.

Most patients with localised primary bone tumours (osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma) and soft tissue sarcomas are candidates for limb salvage. Eligibility depends on tumour size, location, involvement of major blood vessels or nerves, response to chemotherapy, and overall health. Modern techniques have made 85–95% of patients eligible.

Yes. Multiple large studies have confirmed equivalent long-term survival outcomes between limb salvage and amputation for osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Limb salvage offers significantly better functional outcomes and quality of life, with no compromise in cancer control.

A tumour prosthesis (endoprosthesis) is a custom or modular metal implant that replaces the resected bone after limb salvage surgery. Modern modular implants can be expanded in growing children and last 15–20+ years. Charak Hospital uses high-quality endoprosthetic systems for limb reconstruction.

Patients typically start physiotherapy within 24–48 hours of surgery. Weight bearing begins at 6–8 weeks. Return to normal daily activities takes 3–6 months. Full functional recovery may take up to a year, especially for lower limb reconstruction.