What is Lower Extremity Reconstruction Surgery?

Lower extremity surgery involves reconstruction of the foot, leg and thigh. At the Plastic Surgeons of Plastic Surgery Northwest team up with Orthopedic and Vascular Surgeons to provide reconstruction for numerous types of injuries and defect. These can include everything from trauma lacerations and fractures to cancer resections.

How is the Lower Extremity Reconstruction procedure Performed?

Plastic Surgery may be involved in a patient’s care at the request of the Emergency Department physician, say for a complex laceration to skin, muscles and tendons, or at the request of Orthopedic, Trauma or Vascular Surgeons for assistance with soft tissue coverage for bone or blood vessel reconstruction.

Treatment for minor injuries can be addressed in the emergency departments, and major injuries may require admission to the hospital. Initial interventions are directed at 1) restoring critical structures such as vessels and nerves, and 2) limiting the risks of infection to an area of trauma. This may include surgical debridement and antibiotics. Underlying fractures are often addressed in this early period by Orthopedics, as well.

If an open wound exists after these initial steps, then your surgeon can discuss the various treatment options with you. Options may include local wound care, skin grafts, muscle or skin flaps from tissues that surround the wound, or the transfer of a flap from a different part of the body with the assistance of the microscope (microsurgery).

Who is a good candidate for Lower Extremity Reconstruction Surgery?

The first step is to schedule a consultations with your plastic surgeon. For acute traumas, this consultation is performed in the hospital. For non-acute injuries, this consultation is performed in one of our clinics. Every lower extremity reconstruction is unique. Accordingly, during your consultation expect to provide a complete medical history, including information about previous surgical procedures, past and present medical conditions, and any medications or herbal supplements you are taking. Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination and will then discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

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