A Life Without Prosthetics: Walk Freely with Acibadem

After a serious work accident, 44-year-old Svetoslav Krasenov Nikolaev was advised in Bulgaria that a below-knee amputation might be necessary. When his case was evaluated at Acibadem, a limb-salvage approach was considered possible.

The video follows his treatment and recovery after reconstructive surgery aimed at preserving his leg, restoring function and helping him return to an independent life without a lower-leg prosthesis. His care was led by Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin and Dr. Ömercan Yağız Öksüz of Acibadem’s Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery team.

Limb salvage and reconstructive surgery aim to preserve or restore form and function after severe injury or tissue damage when that is clinically possible. Depending on the extent of trauma, reconstruction may involve repairing damaged skin, soft tissue, blood vessels or other structures, sometimes using reconstructive microsurgery and coordinated care across several surgical specialties.

Whether a limb can be saved depends on the type and severity of the injury, tissue viability, circulation, function and the patient’s overall condition, which is why a second evaluation of the imaging and clinical picture can change the options on the table.

Learn more about the Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery department at Acibadem or request a medical opinion.