title: Lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction.
abstract: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the indications for the use of free-tissue transfer in lower extremity reconstruction. 2. Understand modalities to enhance the healing and care of soft tissue and bone before free-tissue transfer. 3. Understand the lower extremity reconstructive ladder and the place of free-tissue transfer on the ladder. 4. Understand the specific principles of leg, foot, and ankle reconstruction. 5. Understand the factors that influence the decision to perform an immediate versus a delayed reconstruction. Free-tissue transfer using microsurgical techniques is now routine for the salvage of traumatized lower extremities. Indications for microvascular tissue transplantation for lower extremity reconstruction include high-energy injuries, most middle and distal-third tibial wounds, radiation wounds, osteomyelitis, nonunions, and tumor reconstruction. The authors discuss the techniques and indications for lower extremity reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting