Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Limb Salvage

Abstract Purpose of Review In this review, we aim to summarize the significance and key components of a multidisciplinary team approach to limb salvage. Recent Findings Each year in the United States, approximately 150,000 nontraumatic major lower extremity amputations occur, primarily due to peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers. Major amputations impose a significant burden on the healthcare system and negatively affect patients’ quality of life. Once on the decline, the rates of major amputations have seen a concerning resurgence and to combat this rise in amputations and advocate for effective limb salvage, we need a concerted effort that emphasizes awareness, patient education, early diagnosis and management of risk factors, provision of adequate wound care, facilitation of revascularization efforts, and post-procedure monitoring of patients. Summary A multidisciplinary limb salvage team—including vascular surgeons, interventionalists, infectious disease specialists, podiatrists, plastic surgeons and wound care experts—is essential to meet the goal of reducing amputation rates, improve wound healing, preserve function and mobility and improve overall quality of life for patients at risk for amputation.