Limb Salvage and Amputation Reconstruction Center

Limb salvage and amputation reconstruction surgery

Dr. Rozbruch gives an overview of LSARC and treatment options for patients

Our orthopedic surgeons who specialize in limb salvage surgery and amputation reconstruction surgery will evaluate and work with you to determine the best treatment approach. Focusing on your specific needs, you and your expert surgeon will also interact with other key professionals:

Prosthetics and orthotics: certified professionals who will build the best device to help you reach your maximum mobility. You will get fitted with a state of the art prosthesis or orthosis.

HSS Motion Analysis Lab: specialists and scientists who perform gait analysis for diagnostic purposes, evaluation of outcomes, and clinical and translational research

Patient counselors: individuals who are high-level, functioning amputees with personal experience and perspective providing support and advice, as well as running group programs and amputee walking schools.

Psychologist: a trained physician who can provide psychological support to help you navigate this treatment program.

Physical therapy: therapists who help guide your recovery during your hospital stay and provide you with the tools to strengthen your body and move independently.

Medical specialists: physicians who specialize in infectious disease, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, and pain management

Our team offers integrated care for the patient with a limb at risk or already having undergone an amputation. Our orthopedic surgeons work intimately with other key professionals including certified prosthetists, physical therapists, patient counselors, and psychologists to offer state of the art treatment to our patients. This integrated care begins before surgery and continues until the patient has achieved maximum mobility.

Orthopedic Surgeons

S. Robert Rozbruch, MD

Austin T. Fragomen, MD

Edward A. Athanasian, MD

Duretti Fufa, MD

S. Robert Rozbruch, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Limb Lengthening

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Austin T. Fragomen, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Limb Lengthening

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Edward A. Athanasian, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity

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Duretti Fufa, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity, Trauma

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Infectious Disease

Andy O. Miller, MD

Michael W. Henry, MD

Andy O. Miller, MD

Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases

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Michael W. Henry, MD

Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases

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Vascular Surgeon

Peter Connolly, MD

Plastic Surgeon

David Otterburn, MD

Psychologist

Julia M. Kim, PhD

Psychology

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Physical Therapists

Marlena Albanese PT, DPT

John Castro PT, DPT, MTC, OCS

Julia Doty OTR/L, CHT

Wai-Kwong Hui PT, DPT

Steven Murray PT, MS

Marlena Albanese PT, DPT

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John Castro PT, DPT, MTC, OCS

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Julia Doty OTR/L, CHT

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Wai-Kwong Hui PT, DPT

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Steven Murray PT, MS

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Leon Root Motion Analysis Laboratory

Howard J. Hillstrom, PhD

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Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists

Glenn Garrison, CPO

Glenn is a graduate of New York University’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Program and is a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist. He has over 35 years of P&O experience and has been Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics at Hospital for Special Surgery for 27 years. Glenn has advanced training in various types of Scoliosis orthoses, myoelectric prostheses, externally powered orthoses, cranial molding orthoses and microprocessor controlled knee and ankle units. Glenn has been co-investigator on numerous research studies regarding orthotic treatment of osteoarthritis. He has been a guest lecturer at New York University, Hunter College, New York School of Podiatry and numerous New York hospitals. Additionally, he has volunteered extensively at FOCOS Hospital in Pantang, Accra, Ghana and Orthopedic Training Centre in Nsawam, Ghana.

Glenn Hutnick, CPO

Glenn attended New York University’s Prosthetic and Orthotic program and is a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the highest honor bestowed on a practitioner for their education and service to the profession. Glenn has over 35 years of experience as an educator at New York University, Columbia University, and in private practice. Glenn has lectured extensively during his years of practice and has been involved in numerous research programs. He joined the staff at Eschen Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratories as Director of Prosthetics for their practice. Glenn has advanced training in many aspects of prosthetic care including myoelectrics upper limb, microprocessor knees, and advanced foot designs. He is known for his skills in advanced socket designs and vacuum systems. Glenn has been involved in research and development of improving socket systems over the last 25 years.

Haris Kafedzic, MPO, CPO

Haris was a member of the inaugural class to receive a Master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. While attending Northwestern University, he was part of a small group of students selected to travel to Guatemala and provide orthotic and prosthetic care to underprivileged patients. Haris’s personal story has greatly influenced him to focus on prosthetic care. He started working for Eschen as a dual-discipline resident. He completed his residency, passed his board exams, and is an American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist. He is Eschen’s lead Manhattan Prosthetist and Residency Director. Haris has advanced training in many aspects of prosthetic care including myoelectric upper limb prostheses and microprocessor knee and ankle units. He is committed to helping every patient achieve their maximum functional potential utilizing the latest technology and technique.

Andrew Meyers, CPO

Andrew is a graduate of New York University and a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist with over 35 years of clinical experience. He has been a senior executive for several public and private companies in the orthopedic rehabilitative field. He owned and operated one of the five largest orthotic and prosthetic companies in the United States with 27 locations prior to selling to a national public company. His primary focus has been working with practitioners to deliver clinical excellence and the formation of patient-centric programs which enhance the lives and outcomes of patients. In 2011, Andrew acquired Eschen Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratories, Inc (“Eschen”), a 94 year old prosthetic and orthotic provider. Eschen has since expanded to 6 locations throughout the New York metropolitan area with additional expansion slated to meet the needs of the marketplace. Eschen is the exclusive provider of orthotic and prosthetic inpatient services at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Patient Counselors

Dennis Ohler

Dennis became a below-the-knee amputee at age 24 as a result of an automobile accident. Dennis was determined to resume his athletic endeavors and qualified for the 1988 Paralympic Track and Field Team. In Seoul, Korea he set the world record for the 100m event in 11.73 s and won gold medals in the 200- and 400-meter events. Four years later in Barcelona, he set another world record in the long jump and took silver in the 100m. He also brought home medals from the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.

In 1989, Dennis co-developed the Fitness for Everyone clinic designed to take amputees beyond traditional rehabilitation. This life-changing program has reached more than 15,500 amputee and 65,000 therapists worldwide.

Dennis has served on the board of directors for the American Board for Certification and the O&P Assistance Fund. In 2002, he was named an honorary member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Todd Schaffhauser

Todd became an above-the-knee amputee at the age of 15 as a result of cancer. Determined to regain an active lifestyle, he pursued competitive athletics for the first time in his life. In 1988, Todd qualified for the Paralympic Track and Field Team and won a gold medal by completing the 100m event in a time of 15.77 s. In the 1995 World Games in Germany, he broke his own world record by running the 100m in 14.55 seconds. Todd has competed and medaled at three Paralympic Games.

Along with his athletic endeavors, Todd has worked in the prosthetic community for more than 14 years. He co-created and conducted the Fitness for Everyone clinic series that has changed the lives of thousands of amputees, their families, and rehabilitation professionals worldwide.

Todd has served on the board of directors of the O&P Assistance Fund since 1997. In 2002, he became an Honorary Lifetime member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Who is a candidate for limb salvage or amputation reconstruction?

Limb at risk for amputation

If you have a limb at risk from infection, bone loss, soft-tissue compromise related to trauma, tumor reconstruction, or peripheral vascular disease, we will determine if you are a candidate for limb salvage surgery or amputation reconstruction surgery. Our surgeons are experts in both limb salvage surgery and amputation reconstruction: they will guide you toward the best approach for your needs. After surgery, you will get support and services at HSS.

Amputation reconstruction

If you have already had an amputation, we will provide the support you need. This includes prosthetic fitting, physical therapy, psychological support, and the expertise of patient counselors. These counselors are themselves amputees who run walking schools, support groups, and offer individual counseling. If you had an amputation surgery at a different hospital and are having difficulties, we will evaluate you to determine the root of the problem and offer to you the best solution. Osseointegration is an excellent option for select patients who are having difficulty with socket wear.

Osseointegration Video

This video animation shows an osseointegration amputation reconstruction.