Reconstruction of Complex Lower Extremity Defects

Purpose of Review Insults to the lower extremity have the potential to be highly detrimental to patient function and are associated with significant psychological morbidity. Complex defects of the leg, in particular, pose many reconstructive challenges requiring extensive collaboration between reconstructive surgeons and other care teams. This review details the basic principles of managing patients with lower extremity defects and discusses reconstructive options available to surgeons. Recent Findings Novel reconstructive techniques and wound care technologies have largely improved outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity reconstruction. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that supermicrosurgery and stem cell therapy both exhibit significant potential in lower extremity reconstruction; however, these modalities are currently in a state of refinement and development, respectively. Summary Treatment of patients with lower extremity defects is highly complex given the anatomic challenges of the region along with the many pathologies that produce the said defect. Multidisciplinary care, namely the orthoplastic approach, is key to optimizing the processes of evaluating the patient, developing a surgical plan, and ultimately reconstructing the limb. Moving forward, refinement of current techniques along with the advent of novel technologies will pave the way for reconstructive surgeons to optimize patient outcomes in a standardized fashion.