Limb Restoration Program Saves Soldier's Shattered Leg

By Kathy Walsh

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - A soldier who served in Kuwait and Afghanistan nearly lost a leg after he returned home to Colorado and was in a horrific car accident.

Now, Jandl Scott is working with the Limb Restoration Program at the University of Colorado Hospital to get back on his feet.

"It hurts some, but I'm making it," Scott told his orthopedic trauma surgeon as they discussed plans for an upcoming operation.

It would be the fifth surgery on his leg and hopefully the last.

On April 2, First Sergeant Scott was hit head-on while driving to work in Aurora.

"I remember seeing the vehicle and then everything goes blank," Scott told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh.

Scott had serious internal injuries and broken bones.

"I ran my hand down my right leg right below my knee. I noticed a bone sticking out," he said.

His bone was broken and in some places-- gone. Still, Scott was shocked when an ICU doctor told him his leg might have to be amputated.

But Dr. Jason Stoneback allayed Scott's fears. Stoneback is the Director of the Limb Restoration Program at the University of Colorado Hospital.

In four surgeries and using a rod, plate and screws, Scott's leg was put back together. Now, Scott needs another operation.

"Without help, his leg will never fully heal," said Stoneback.

Bone from Scott's hip will be grafted to replace missing bone.

"I see him getting back to being a fully functioning soldier," said Stoneback.

Since April, Scott has graduated from a hospital bed to a wheelchair to crutches. His hope is to eventually be walking, even running, on his own.

LINK: Limb Restoration Program - Anschutz

Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.