Soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity in the pediatric population

Lower extremity defects are a source of significant functional and psychosocial morbidity for pediatric patients and require complex reconstructions to restore form and function. The advent of microsurgical reconstruction along with advances in wound care techniques and technologies have empowered reconstructive surgeons to perform limb salvage surgery in patients that would traditionally require amputation; however, the indications for performing reconstructive surgery for complicated cases are not ironclad. While this is the case, applying the principles of lower extremity reconstruction in adults to the pediatric population is often sufficient to achieve a satisfactory outcome. This overview discusses the evaluation and management of soft tissue defects of the leg in pediatric patients.