Technological Advances to Simplify Lower Extremity Reconstruction

Abstract

Many of the flaps described in this book require sophisticated training and experience to be used reliably in patients, and many centers do not have a plastic surgeon skilled in doing these procedures. Fortunately, a number of technologies can convert a complicated flap reconstruction into a simpler reconstruction such as a skin graft, allowing advanced treatment of wounds without the need for specialized surgical care. For the skilled surgeon, these technologies can be very useful for the patient with co-morbid conditions or the patient who cannot or does not want to undergo a large surgical procedure. A number of new wound care technologies can be used to simplify the care of lower extremity wounds. The use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy devices, mechanical devices to generate new tissues, bioengineered skin, placenta-derived constructs, and dermal scaffolds have provided surgeons with a number of tools that can simplify reconstructive procedures, with the capacity to provide long-term stable soft tissue coverage.