Lower-limb amputation is a growing concern in our community. For individuals
with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, common foot conditions such
as ulcers, blisters, or other open wounds can become infected or heal
poorly, causing otherwise avoidable complications. In drastic circumstances,
this may result in amputation of the foot or lower leg.
To help protect our community from these adverse outcomes, Casa Colina
Hospital and Centers for Healthcare has partnered with Keck Medicine of
USC to offer a Limb Preservation Program. Located on our well-appointed
Pomona campus, the program aims to expand podiatric care and education
for those at risk of lower-limb amputation.
How It Works
Physician specialists from Casa Colina and USC work with community providers
to screen and identify individuals at risk for lower-limb wounds. When
patients arrive at a partnering clinic or screening site, those at risk
for complications from a foot wound are directed to the appropriate level
of care. Some will be given podiatric educational resources to better
care for their foot conditions. Others may be referred to Casa Colina’s
Wound Care Center or another physician specialist for medical or surgical care.
For those who need medical intervention, once the foot wound is addressed,
the patient then joins the program’s Remission Clinic, which monitors
follow-up care and check-ups.
The Limb Preservation Program at Casa Colina is led by Dr. David Armstrong,
founder of USC’s Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA)
and Professor of Surgery at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
Other experts on our team add a wealth of knowledge in limb preservation
and care, all with the goal to increase access to timely, quality healthcare
that will help prevent amputations. Our experts include:
Vascular surgeons
Podiatric surgeons
Hyperbaric medicine doctors and technicians
Infectious disease specialists
Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrists)
Physical therapists specializing in ambulation, range of motion, and lower-extremity
strengthening
Nurses specializing in limb preservation and wound care
Onsite diagnostic imaging providers
Prosthetists and shoe specialists
Other specialists as needed
Preventative Education
The Casa Colina Limb Preservation Program also offers health education
to increase awareness about foot care among at-risk patients and their
physicians. Our clinicians provide community education to address the
long-term health disparities that result in lower-limb amputations, including
the long-term effects of diabetes and vascular disease on podiatric health.
To learn more about the Casa Colina Limb Preservation Program, please call
909/596-7733, ext. 3800 or toll-free
866/724-4127, ext. 3800 or
contact us now.
