Lower Extremity Reconstruction Following Trauma and Tumors

Abstract

Assessment and reconstructive approaches for post-traumatic and tumor ablative lower limb defects are presented and discussed in this chapter. Addressed here in are the assessment and stabilization of the emergency trauma patient, the decision process surrounding attempted limb salvage or primary amputation, general debridement principles, soft tissue and fracture management options, timing of reconstruction, nonmicrosurgical and microsurgical reconstructive options, muscular and nonmuscular flap coverage options, useful composite flap designs, and recipient vessel selection and assessment techniques, including the debates and/or consensus surrounding these various issues. Specific attention is also given to the management of chronic problems such as post traumatic osteomyelitis and stiff knee. Furthermore, advancements in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with lower limb tumors and the reconstruction of postablative defects are outlined.