Mario Gasbarro was diagnosed with a Soft Tissue Sarcoma in May 2018 after noticing a bump on his elbow. Initially based on the MRI, the size of the lesion and its location, Dr. Daniel Lerman, orthopedic oncologist with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute/Institute for Limb Preservation/OrthoONE at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Dr. David Schnur, plastic surgeon and Medical Director of the Institute for Limb Preservation, planned for a limb salvage surgery. After looking at the X-rays, it was determine that too many vital structures were being affected by the sarcoma so an above elbow amputation was performed. A newer technique for Mario’s prosthetic was recommended called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) allowing Mario to control 6-degrees of freedom- elbow flex extend, wrist rotate in out and hand open/close. Mario is now cancer free, getting the hang of his prosthetic and enjoying time with his beautiful family.

For more information on the Institute for Limb Preservation at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, please visit https://pslmc.com/service/orthopedic-services