Microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction of traumatic defects is among the most challenging tasks in plastic surgery. Although a variety of parameters influence clinical outcomes, the most critical in determining anastomotic patency and surgical success are technical skill and recipient vessel status. A particularly challenging subset of patients is the pediatric population because of anatomical (i.e., vessel size) and physiologic (i.e., increased vasospasm) concerns.
In addition to vessel size and vasospasticity other parameters in the pediatric population include flap type, reconstructive success rate, and timing of reconstruction. The field of reconstructive microsurgery has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past four decades. The increased use of microsurgical techniques is evidenced by a transition away from being a “last-resort” treatment option as part of the…
