Old acceptable practices have obviously been improved on most probably because the outcome or long term outcome of those old practices were not viable. Many old and proven practices led to other complications so new treatments replaced old ones. Knowledge is power, and the knowledge the medical field gains over the years and through trial and error with other patients is what gives them the knowledge to make more informed decisions on common practices for current situations.
Dr. Adler might have saved his legs for the time being, but no one knows what further complications this save will cause.