<h2>Limb Salvage</h2> <p>&ldquo;<strong>Limb salvage</strong>&rdquo; refers to a group of advanced surgical treatments aimed at restoring comfortable, functional limb use following removal of a large amount of bone and/or soft tissue (usually involving surgical removal of a malignant tumour), when the only other alternative would be amputation of the limb. It is also known as <strong>Limb Sparing Surgery or Limb Cancer Surgery</strong>.<br /><br />Over recent years at Fitzpatrick Referrals, we have become one of the leaders in veterinary limb salvage surgery in the UK, successfully helping many dogs with bone and joint cancers. Thanks to a close working relationship with Stanmore Implants Worldwide Ltd., one of the world-leaders in surgical implant manufacture for human limb salvage, we have been able to offer several technologies unavailable anywhere else in the world.</p> <h4>Endoprostheses</h4> <p>Endoprostheses are internal surgical implants used to fill a gap left by removal of a large section of bone or even an entire joint. We have used this technology for management of bone cancer in dogs very successfully over several years.<br /><br />The implants used are typically made from titanium alloy so are very strong, enabling them to cope will the weight-bearing forces normally transmitted by the bone they are replacing. Parts of the implant may have a porous coating or may be coated with hydroxyapatite, a mineral which helps the bone to grow into the surface of the implant, making the interface between the remaining bone and the implant very secure. Implants are custom-made for individual patients depending on the site of the tumour, the size of the patient and any specific mechanical or technical requirements.</p> 2009-09-03T14:58:54Z 45 2 2 pioneering 2009-09-10T09:24:42Z