Soft tissue coverage of lower extremity defects: pearls and pitfalls in the chronic wound population

The incidence of chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds continues to increase. Lower limb amputations are associated with increased cardiovascular exertion, further decline in functional ability, and higher mortality rates. As such, there has been a shift towards salvage modalities. These include local debridement advanced wound care, revascularization, bony reconstruction, soft tissue reconstruction. Perioperative planning for reconstruction requires careful consideration several factors, including patient comorbidities, size location, exposed underlying structures, the case possible free flap, patency donor recipient vessels. This article reviews perioperative factors that should be considered preparation successful LE.