Lower Limb Reconstruction
INTRODUCTION
Soft tissue defects arising from either congenital abnormalities,following injuries or cancer treatment can be reconstructed using a variety of techniques depending on the specific defect and your own goals.
AIMS
- Provide healthy tissue
- Restore normal contour
- Restore normal colour
- Provide sensation if possible
- Minimize scars
DONOR SITE
The choice of areas from which tissue can be moved will have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consider the resulting scars,deformity and any loss of function following the removal of the tissue. The type of tissue required for the reconstruction will influence the area from which the tissue can be moved.
TECHNIQUES
- Skin grafts
- Tissue Expansion
- Flaps: Local flaps (near to the area to be reconstructed)
- Microsurgical Free Transfer: a variety of tissues can be used incorporating ;
- Skin
- Fat
- Muscle
- Bone
- Tendons