Limb Preservation & Reconstruction

Limb Preservation in Fort Worth & Burleson, TX

Severe foot deformity, chronic wounds, and infection can threaten mobility and, in some cases, limb viability.

Dr. Dalton Ryba, DPM is a dual board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon providing comprehensive limb preservation and reconstructive care in Fort Worth and Burleson, Texas. Treatment focuses on restoring stability, promoting healing, and preserving long-term function whenever possible.

Whenever appropriate, conservative management is prioritized. Surgical intervention is reserved for patients who fail nonoperative care or develop progressive deformity or instability.

What is Limb Preservation?

Limb preservation refers to the coordinated treatment of complex foot and ankle conditions to avoid amputation and maintain function.

This often involves addressing:

Chronic wounds
Structural deformity
Infection
Instability

Successful limb preservation requires both medical and surgical management tailored to each patient.

What Are The Common Conditions Managed?

Diabetic foot ulcers
Charcot arthropathy
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Severe flatfoot deformity
Post-traumatic deformity
Recurrent ulceration due to pressure points
Each condition requires a structured and individualized treatment plan.

What Are The Treatment Options?

Initial treatment focuses on stabilizing the condition and promoting healing.

Routine debridement and wound care
Offloading techniques
Bracing and orthotics
Infection management
Coordination with vascular, endocrine, and infectious disease specialists

A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal outcomes.

Surgical treatment is considered when:

Conservative care fails
Deformity leads to recurrent breakdown
Infection requires intervention
Stability cannot be maintained

Procedures may include:

Minimally invasive offloading procedures
Correction of deformity
Midfoot or hindfoot reconstruction
External fixation for complex cases
Partial foot amputation when necessary for infection control

No single approach fits every patient. Surgical planning is individualized based on the condition and overall health.

When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques are used to:

Reduce surgical trauma
Promote faster recovery
Preserve soft tissue and blood supply

These approaches can be particularly valuable in patients with compromised healing potential.

What Is The Recovery Timeline?

Recovery depends on the complexity of the condition and treatment performed.

Conservative care may require ongoing wound management and offloading
Surgical treatment often involves staged recovery, including immobilization and gradual return to weight-bearing
Full recovery may take several months

Long-term follow-up is essential to maintain stability and prevent recurrence.

When To See A Specialist?

Non-healing wounds
Recurrent ulceration
Progressive foot deformity
Signs of infection
Difficulty walking due to instability
Early intervention improves the likelihood of successful limb preservation.

Dr. Ryba sees patients in Fort Worth and Burleson, TX through
Lonestar Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists, PLLC.

When scheduling, please request an appointment specifically with Dr. Dalton Ryba, DPM.