How CSRA medical professionals work to reduce the number of limb amputations in the U.S.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. lose a limb to amputation each year.

Dr. Aaron Hurd is a Vascular Surgeon at Doctors Hospital, but his dedication to a patient’s overall health spans beyond.

“Other medical professionals kind of get together as a multidisciplinary approach to save somebody’s leg or arm, and prevent an amputation.”  

In order to prevent an amputation through the ‘Limb-Preservation program’, Dr. Hurd says it takes a village.

“Using every available modern technique that we have. Vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, burn surgeons, endocrinologists…”

What’s special about the program at Doctors Hospital is the combined efforts within the number one burn center in the country, the JMS Burn Center. A benefit many can appreciate.

“Big benefit is it improves people’s functional independence, prevents amputation, helps the pain– loss of limb is a significant event in somebody’s life. So, we look to help people in that way,” Dr. Hurd said.

So, what can lead to an amputation in the first place?  

“We see, commonly, are peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot infections, some of the architectural changes that go along with diabetes, maybe critical limb ischemia, even burns and wounds. Those things can threaten people’s limbs…”

Doctors do want you to learn more about resources if you’re someone who could benefit from more information about how to save your limbs, that can be found here.