Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities

Abstract

Areliable reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities especially in the distal third of the leg is still aspecial challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The possibility of salvaging the leg has to be evaluated in the setting of an interdisciplinary team and the timing of the operation(s) with respect to the safety of the patient and asystematic approach with the selection of asuitable flap have to be defined. Traditionally local muscle flaps or free flaps have been established for coverage of defects of the lower extremities. Recently perforator-based flaps have gained popularity for reconstruction of lower extremity defects. Furthermore, new surgical techniques and developments in association with the demographic change have led to aparadigm shift.