title: Role of microsurgery in lower extremity reconstruction.
abstract: Developments in reconstructive microsurgery have heralded a new phase of limb-saving procedures. Although pedicled local fasciocutaneous or muscle flaps continue their useful role, microsurgical free tissue transfer is usually required for larger defects and also for areas without locoregional options. As this treatment modality has become more established, innovation and technical refinements have resulted in an evolution of flap surgery, including perforator and free-style free flaps, that has been applied to lower limb surgery. Effective outcome measures, bioelectronic prostheses, and composite tissue allotransplantation are the three major trends leading into a new era of lower limb reconstruction. This article outlines the role of microsurgical free tissue transfer for lower limb salvage and reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Taipei, Taiwan From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Medical College, Chang Gung University.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Engel
authors.forename: Chih-Hung
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Fu-Chan
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery*