Delayed reconstruction of soft tissue defects in mangled lower extremities: A report of three cases

Abstract

Background: The best timing for the soft tissue reconstruction procedure in the mangled lower extremity is still controversial. Despite the advantages of acute treatment, delayed soft tissue reconstruction are often inevitable for various reasons. This case report aims to present three cases of delayed reconstruction to treat lower extremities soft-tissue defects in mangled lower extremity following high-energy trauma.Case Series: This study included three cases that underwent delayed reconstruction for the mangled lower extremity. The definitive reconstructions were done in 15, 30, and 60 days after injury and all cases underwent serial debridement before the definitive procedure. The reconstruction methods used were skin graft and free flap. There was no graft/flap loss observed in this study.Conclusion: We believe that soft tissue reconstruction of mangled lower extremities following high-energy trauma may also be safely done in a delayed setting if the wound debridement is adequately done, and the basic reconstructive principles are fulfilled.