What we treat
Relimb is a specialist reconstructive service. We assess complex problems affecting the limbs — and selected related areas — when routine pathways have not resolved the problem or more specialist input may help. That includes problems after major injury, amputation, cancer treatment, congenital differences, persistent nerve pain, bone infection, and fractures that have failed to heal.
This page gives an overview of the areas we cover. It does not replace medical advice. For referrals, timelines and what happens next, see How it works, New patients, or Enquire.
Amputation and limb loss
We support people living with limb loss, or preparing for amputation, when standard amputee pathways are not enough and more specialist reconstructive input may be needed.
Examples of problems we see
- Residual limb pain or neuroma pain affecting comfort or prosthetic use
- Problems with socket tolerance, fit, or limb shape
- Revision amputation surgery to improve healing, function, or prosthetic use
- Assessment for targeted nerve procedures such as TMR or RPNI
- Assessment for bone-anchored prosthetic attachment (osseointegration)
Who this may be relevant for
Adults with upper or lower limb amputation, or people facing amputation, where a prosthetic centre, GP, surgeon, or rehabilitation team feels a more specialist opinion may be helpful.
Why this is specialist work
These problems sit between reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. Decisions about revision surgery, nerve procedures, or osseointegration need careful MDT assessment and realistic discussion of likely benefits, risks, and suitability.
Complex trauma reconstruction
We see severe injuries involving bone, soft tissue, nerves, vessels, or skin where reconstruction is complex and limb salvage or staged reconstruction may need to be considered.
Examples of problems we see
- Major open injuries with bone or soft tissue loss
- Non-healing wounds after trauma
- Complex hand injuries involving tendons, nerves, vessels, or tissue loss
- Limb salvage questions after high-energy injury
- Selected facial or neck soft tissue defects within the scope of our reconstructive service
Who this may be relevant for
People referred after major trauma, and clinicians seeking a specialist reconstructive opinion when local options are limited or the injury is unusually complex.
Why this is specialist work
These cases often require microsurgery, staged planning, and close coordination with rehabilitation. The key question is not simply whether reconstruction is possible, but whether it is likely to offer a worthwhile functional outcome.
Cancer-related limb reconstruction
We support reconstruction after tumour surgery in the limbs, particularly where restoring coverage, structure, or function requires specialist soft tissue and bone techniques.
Examples of problems we see
- Reconstruction after sarcoma or other limb tumour resection
- Soft tissue coverage problems after oncological surgery
- Bony reconstruction after tumour removal
- Functional problems arising later after cancer treatment
Who this may be relevant for
Patients under oncology or surgical oncology teams who need reconstructive limb expertise as part of a wider cancer treatment plan.
Why this is specialist work
Cancer reconstruction has to be planned around oncological priorities, wound healing, rehabilitation, and long-term function. Reconstructive choices need to support the goals and timelines of the cancer team, not sit apart from them.
Congenital limb and hand differences
We assess limb and hand differences present from birth when surgical planning needs a reconstructive perspective, particularly where function, growth, or staging over time are important.
Examples of problems we see
- Hand differences affecting function, development, or daily activities
- Limb length or form differences where staged planning may be needed
- Combined problems best considered in a specialist MDT setting
Who this may be relevant for
Children, families, and adults seeking specialist surgical opinion about congenital limb or hand differences.
Why this is specialist work
Congenital cases are not only about the immediate anatomy. Timing, growth, function, adaptation, and the possible need for more than one stage all matter, so treatment planning needs a longer-term reconstructive view.
Pain, neuroma, and nerve problems
We assess persistent nerve-related pain in the limbs, including after injury or amputation, where a surgical opinion may be helpful alongside broader pain management.
Examples of problems we see
- Painful neuromas after amputation or trauma
- Residual limb pain affecting prosthetic use
- Phantom limb pain where targeted nerve procedures may be considered
- Selected nerve-related symptoms assessed in a reconstructive surgical context
Who this may be relevant for
People with ongoing nerve-related pain after trauma, surgery, or amputation, especially when standard pain management alone has not resolved the problem.
Why this is specialist work
Nerve pain needs accurate diagnosis, careful patient selection, and realistic expectations. Surgery can help in some cases, but not all, so the value lies as much in specialist assessment and decision-making as in any operation itself.
Infection and bone-healing problems
We treat complex bone and soft tissue problems where infection or failed healing has made reconstruction more difficult.
Examples of problems we see
- Chronic or recurrent osteomyelitis
- Infected hardware or infection after previous surgery
- Fractures that have failed to heal properly (non-union)
- Bone and soft tissue problems requiring staged reconstruction
Who this may be relevant for
People with persistent infection, repeated setbacks after fracture treatment, or complex non-union who need combined reconstructive and orthopaedic input.
Why this is specialist work
These cases often need more than one problem solved at once: infection control, stable fixation, dead space management, soft tissue cover, and restoration of bone healing. Treatment may involve several stages and close coordination across specialties.
Next steps
If any of these areas sound relevant to your situation, take the next step that suits you.