Posttraumatic Soft Tissue Coverage of the Lower Leg for the Orthopedic Surgeon

Abstract

Soft tissue reconstructive techniques are powerful tools for the orthopedic surgeon caring for lower extremity trauma. This article seeks to inform orthopedic surgeons about useful techniques for skin closure, secondary wound closure techniques, and rotational flaps of the lower leg. Split thickness skin grafting, piecrusting, and the use of negative pressure wound therapy for skin closure, as well as rotational gastrocnemius, soleus, and reverse sural artery flaps are discussed with emphasis on techniques for the nonvascular and nonmicrovascular orthopedic surgeon.

Keywords: Gastrocnemius flap; Limb salvage; Rotational flap; Soleus flap; Sural flap.