UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of the University of Texas at San Antonio, launched the Limb Optimization Program, a multidisciplinary initiative for patients facing complex extremity deformity or dysfunction due to trauma, tumor, or congenital condition. The collaborative program includes O&P, orthoplastics, behavioral health, nutrition, physical and occupational therapy, and translational research.
Designed to improve identity, functional outcome, and quality of life for patients across the region, the program combines limb preservation, amputation care, and reconstructive solutions such as osseointegration. UT Health San Antonio is the first in South Texas to provide osseointegration.
Joseph Alderete, MD, FAOA, retired Army colonel and associate clinical professor in the Department of Orthopaedics, leads the program. Alderete helped launch the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Osseointegration Human Clinical Trial and later brought the program to Brooke Army Medical Center.
“UT Health San Antonio’s Limb Optimization Program was created to enhance function beyond the physical, focusing on self-image, empowerment, and belonging in recovery from limb salvage surgery or advanced amputation, such as osseointegration,” Alderete said. “By offering osseointegration, comprehensive rehabilitation, state of the art orthotic and prosthetic care, and patient goal-centric support we’re helping patients move forward with greater function, fewer complications and renewed independence.”
“Conditions like cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases put people at risk of losing a limb every day,” said Ashlee Blume, PA-C, medical director. “Access to coordinated, advanced care close to home is critical, and this program helps patients preserve their quality of life.”
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by UT Health San Antonio.
