Standard Regional Flaps for Soft-Tissue Coverage of the Leg

Summary: Modern concepts for treatment of musculoskeletal defects are based on a common basic understanding of bone and soft-tissue pathophysiology. To improve the quality of the treatment, it is essential to overcome the classical dissociation of concepts for skeletal versus soft-tissue reconstruction. This can probably be achieved only when a group of highly dedicated surgeons get together to redefine traditional tasks. Orthopaedic surgeons should be introduced to the principles of soft-tissue management, whereas plastic surgeons require an understanding of concepts of skeletal stabilization, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. The aims are to define a common strategy and to plan tactics to achieve the best possible results. We present basic and practically applicable knowledge on soft-tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity