Evolution of Extremity Reconstruction

Historically, limb salvage for severe injuries was amputation. This avoided the complications of sepsis and potentially life-threatening exsanguination. As the science and techniques of medicine have evolved, so has limb reconstruction. These advances have been driven by medical changes in fracture management, management of vascular and nerve injuries, and soft tissue coverage. The increasing complexity of war injuries have served as a driving force for application of new concepts for limb reconstruction utilizing emerging medical techniques. A multidisciplinary approach is now used at advanced trauma centers as well as military centers of excellence. Extremity reconstruction remains a rapidly evolving field and previously established wisdom is constantly challenged. Our textbook is from the viewpoint of trainees and recent graduates. It provides a comprehensive review of different techniques for osseous and soft tissue reconstruction of the extremities.