Topic: Reconstruction of Composite Defects of the Lower Extremity

Regardless of the antecedent etiologies ( such as trauma, cancer, etc.), reconstruction of lower extremity defects aims to restore pain-free ambulation, improve quality of life, and try to avoid amputation. Historically, plastic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons worked separately in the management of these challenging cases. The concept of an orthoplastic approach, coined by L. Scott Levin, emerged and embraced the complimentary skill-sets of these two specialties in lower extremity reconstruction. Bony stabilization constitutes the foundation of reconstruction of the lower extremity, and healthy soft tissue coverage is absolutely critical to its ultimate success.

Lower extremity reconstruction has benefited from a number of scientific and technical advances over the past several decades, beginning with the advent of microvascular reconstruction, emergence of new techniques and perforator flaps, improved antibiosis, and bone stabilization and transport. Despite the significant advances, there remain gaps in the literature regarding soft tissue and particularly bone fracture, defect, and complication management.

In this Special Issue of Plastic and Aesthetic Research, the authors aim to provide a source of clinically-relevant and up-to-date information regarding the composite defect management of the lower extremity that will enhance the current practice and achieve even better outcomes for our patients. We would like to invite contributing authors who are distinguished plastic and orthopedic surgery experts and others from around the world to share their clinical research and insight to these oftentimes challenging but rewarding cases.

15 Dec 2021