Medical City Las Colinas has successfully performed its first transverse bone transport system procedure, offering new hope for patients facing limb amputation due to diabetic foot ulcers. The inaugural patient, 62-year-old Jackie Smith, underwent the innovative outpatient therapy after months of struggling with a painful and non-healing ulcer.
Known as a transverse bone transport system, the outpatient procedure involves creating a controlled bone cut and then using a fixation device to gradually move a segment of the shinbone across the wound site. This movement amplifies the body’s natural defenses, stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, helping to heal the ulcer and potentially preserve the limb and prevent amputation.
“This is a game-changer for some patients who may otherwise face an unavoidable amputation,” says Christina Mathis, CEO Medical City Las Colinas. “A commitment to advancing care from clinical research that results in innovative therapies like this is another reason the community turns to Medical City Las Colinas as the destination of choice for healthcare excellence.”
The entire process typically takes about two months and patients can maintain regular activities throughout the healing process. Good candidates are people with:
- Diabetes
- Non-healing or recurrent ulcers
- Failed to respond to conventional treatments
- Poor circulation
- Limited blood flow
Jackie Smith expressed her gratitude to the medical team, stating, “Medical City Las Colinas really helped maintain my quality of life. I’m looking forward to being more active again with friends and family.”
The orthopedic team at Medical City Las Colinas continues to provide individualized care and advanced treatment options for patients recovering from injury or illness.
