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Amputations

Amputation, the removal of all or part of a limb along with the cancer, may be considered as a last resort, but also may be the only option for some patients. It is necessary in only 10-20% of patients. If the patient has a large tumor that has spread or metastasized beyond the bone to nerves and blood vessels, it may not be possible to save the limb. MRI scans and examination of the tissue by the pathologist at the time of surgery can help the surgeon decide how much of the arm or leg needs to be amputated.

Surgery is planned so that muscles and the skin will form a cuff around the amputated bone. Your surgeon may replace the bone with a prosthesis (a plastic or metal bone, or a piece of bone donated from a person). This new bone will work a lot like your old bones. If you get a prosthesis, you will need to work with a physical therapist to learn how your body works differently. With proper physical therapy, patients often are walking on their own 3 to 6 months after leg amputation.