Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center

The Penn Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center is the only program of its kind in the U.S. that provides unique microsurgical and complex fracture expertise for patients at high-risk for limb amputation.

The program is led by a team of orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, reconstructive microsurgeons and other specialists to provide integrated treatment for patients with significant injuries that require complex care. The Center treats national and international patients and works closely with referring providers for a seamless transfer of care and follow up.

The following conditions may be treated at the Penn Limb Salvage Center:

• Complex fractures of the lower extremity, upper extremity
• Wounds that are healing improperly, are infected or producing significant pain
• Revision surgery for previous unsuccessful procedures
• Complications from the treatment of bone cancer or soft tissue sarcoma
• Malunion or nonunion of fractures
• Complications from diabetes (dysvascular and diabetic foot)

What is Orthoplastic Surgery?

Orthoplastic surgery is the combination of the principles and practices of both orthopaedics and plastic surgery when treating complex patients, either by a single provider or a collaborative team of specialists. Orthopaedic surgery has generally focused on the treatment of musculoskeletal problems and plastic surgery has focused on the treatment of soft tissue problems, making it optimal for limb salvage and reconstruction patients. 

At Penn’s Limb Salvage Center, patients have access to surgeons who are revolutionizing limb salvage and complex fracture techniques through advanced orthoplastic approaches, including the pioneer of this approach, Dr. L. Scott Levin.