Limb Salvage vs. Amputation: When Is Saving the Limb Not the Best Outcome?
When should a limb be saved—and when might amputation provide a better quality of life?
On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland talks with podiatric surgeon Dr. Danny Ghannoum about limb salvage, diabetic foot complications, Charcot neuroarthropathy, bone infections, and the difficult decisions that can lead to lower-limb amputation.
Dr. Ghannoum explains how diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, foot ulcers, and osteomyelitis can put a limb at risk. He also shares complex patient cases that illustrate an important point: saving a limb isn’t always the same as achieving the best outcome for the patient.
The conversation explores advances in limb salvage and reconstructive surgery, including bone fusion techniques, while emphasizing the importance of considering each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and quality of life when making treatment decisions.
Mike and Dr. Ghannoum also discuss patient advocacy and second opinions, with Dr. Ghannoum encouraging patients to take an active role as the “quarterback” of their healthcare team.
Topics include:
- Limb salvage vs. amputation
- Diabetes and amputation risk
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Charcot foot / Charcot neuroarthropathy
- Diabetic foot ulcers and infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Below-the-knee amputation
- Limb reconstruction and fusion
- Patient advocacy and second opinions
- Quality of life when making treatment decisions
We’re Not Stumped shares conversations about limb loss, limb difference, prosthetics, adaptive living, advocacy, and the people working to improve outcomes for the limb loss community.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, Mike Bolland explores stories of resilience and community impact. The journey of an amputee adjusting to life after a traumatic assault and finding strength back home. The mission of Joe & Marie Bolland's Helping Hands Foundation: To empower amputees and other people with limb differences to realize their boundless potential through transformative collaboration with their peers. To nurture a mindset of infinite possibilities, foster self-advocacy, and inspire our community to live a life without limitations. Join Mike as he sheds light on these impactful stories and the unwavering human spirit.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate—to explore her transformative journey from a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur and patient advocate. Diagnosed with rare spinal cord conditions in 2017, Kelly faced a medical mystery that led her to redefine her life and purpose. Kelly's dedication to empowering others is evident in her efforts to raise awareness about chronic pain, mental health, and the importance of patient-centered care.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares two stories of courage and perseverance. The episode highlights a shark attack survivor who turned to crowdfunding after being denied insurance coverage for a prosthetic hand. This journey showcases the challenges of insurance in the area of prosthetics.
