title: Lower extremity reconstruction.
abstract: The current recommendation for surgical treatment of tumors of the lower extremity is a limb-sparing resection. Limb-sparing resection coupled with complex reconstructive techniques and complemented by new chemotherapeutic agents and adjuvant radiation therapy has allowed us to achieve survival rates that are comparable to those of amputation with a better functional outcome. Recent advances in microsurgical techniques and the associated technologies and a better understanding of microvascular anatomy has allowed us to customize flaps to the specific needs of the patients and to achieve a lower donor site morbidity. Increased communication between the specialties of the multidisciplinary treatment team has also improved outcomes. The reconstructive component has become an integral part of the multidisciplinary care for patients with lower extremity tumors. It not only allows them to rapidly resume adjuvant therapies but also enables them to more easily resume their activities of daily living.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Lior
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kronowitz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D001918:Brachytherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery