Limb Preservation Program
About
The Limb Preservation Program provides expert care to people at risk for amputation because of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or other limb-threatening conditions or trauma. Our team of physicians and surgeons employ limb-saving techniques, with the goal of preserving the form and function of your limbs. Our team, supported by a nurse navigator, is compassionate and will listen to your concerns – helping you understand your options and seek the best outcome for your unique situation.
Our program is the first of its kind in Montana focusing on prevention of amputation. The program offers early intervention to help patients maintain as much mobility and function as possible, with the goal of avoiding amputation and promoting health to prevent future issues.
Get in Touch With Our Limb Preservation Team
Request Appointment
If you have concerns about your foot or leg health – whether it be a wound, ulcer or pain while walking, call our nurse navigator.
This is for NON-URGENT appointments only. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest ER.
Refer a Patient
1. Use Cerner, to send a referral, or
2. Call our Limb Preservation Nurse Navigator and select option 2
3. Urgent Referral? Select option 1 to be connected to an ER provider
Get a Second Opinion
If you have been told you need an amputation, having an expedited second opinion from a team of physicians can provide valuable guidance on limb preservation options and peace of mind. Our nurse navigator will assist with gathering relevant medical records and will coordinate the entire process.
Specially-Trained Nurse Navigator
Nurse Navigator
Each patient will work with our specially-trained nurse navigator who will serve as a point of contact to guide patients through diagnosis and treatment. Based on evaluation from our specialists, the navigator will assist with physician referrals, insurance approvals and scheduling non-invasive tests that will advise your course of treatment. These could include blood pressure screenings, ultrasounds and other tests to evaluate the quality of blood flow in your limbs. After testing, your navigator will set up appropriate consultations with expert physicians and help coordinate your care from diagnosis to recovery, including rehabilitation, orthotics fitting (if necessary), and routine follow-ups.
Conditions Treated
- Diabetic wounds / Chronic non-healing wounds
- Critical Lim Ischemia / Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Venous insufficiency
- Bone infections
- Severe infection/gangrene
- Neuropathic ulcers
- Other limb-threatening forms of trauma, wounds, lymphedema or vascular conditions
Treatment
A nurse navigator works closely with our team of specialists to manage care, coordinate referrals and assist with insurance authorizations, as needed. Patients benefit in from multidisciplinary expertise in cardiology, wound care, podiatry, endovascular surgery, interventional radiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery and/or physical medicine & rehabilitation. With early interventions, our team can help patients avoid or minimize amputation. Treatments include:
- Peripheral Angiography
- Peripheral Intervention
- Endovascular surgery for arterial revascularization
- Wound debridement
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Hospital admission to facilitate care (IV antibiotics, MRI, accelerated workup)
- Ankle brachial index
- Arterial duplex
- Soft tissue reconstruction
- Flap surgery
- Microvascular Surgery
- Bone Reconstruction
While our team is committed to doing everything we can to prevent amputation, sometimes that outcome is unavoidable. If amputation is required, we work closely with surgical specialists in the area to get patients the care they need and will continue to assist with rehabilitation, prosthesis fittings and follow-up appointments.
Signs It Is Time to Call 911 or visit the ER
Always head to the ER when life or limb are at risk, any signs of a heart attack, signs of a stroke or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Signs of a Heart Attack
- Signs of a Stroke
- Signs of Low Blood Flow to the Limb - Sudden, severe pain or inability to move the limb – especially if the limb is also numb or cool to the touch.
- Signs of a Risky Infection - Discolored and/or foul-spelling ulcer, cut or other wound. Toe is turning a dark color and there's an odor.
When to Make An Appointment
If you have concerns about your foot or leg health – whether it be a wound, ulcer or pain while walking, call our limb preservation nurse navigator.
If you have been told you need an amputation, having an expedited second opinion from a team of physicians can provide valuable guidance on limb preservation options and peace of mind. Call our nurse navigator who will assist with gathering relevant medical records and will coordinate the entire process.
For any emergent or time-sensitive limb preservation needs, please visit our Limb Preservation Team at the Community Medical Center Emergency Department.
Limb Preservation Contact Request Form
To refer a patient or learn more about the Limb Preservation Program at Community, please call 406-327-4347 or use the contact request below. We will respond within one business day.