Lower extremity reconstruction
Op. Dr. Halil Işık, Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Kadıköy.
Medical content: Op. Dr. Halil Işık · Last updated: 6 October 2026
Lower extremity reconstruction restores coverage and, when possible, function after open fractures, tumour resection or chronic wounds. Bone, tendon and vessel status guide the method.
Who it may be for
Patients with exposed bone, hardware or tendon, or large skin loss on the leg or foot, may need flap coverage. Vascular disease and diabetes change the plan.
How the procedure is performed
Options range from local muscle or perforator flaps to free flaps. Orthopaedic fixation is coordinated when fractures are present. Negative-pressure dressings may bridge to definitive cover.
Recovery
Elevation, non-weight-bearing periods and wound checks are typical. Walking is advanced with physiotherapy. Complete rehabilitation can take months.
Risks and consultation
Flap loss, infection, non-union of fractures, chronic swelling and limited ankle motion can occur.
Frequently asked questions
- Can every wound be closed?
- Most can be covered, but vessel quality, infection and overall health set limits. Amputation is sometimes the safer reconstruction.
- How soon after trauma?
- Soft-tissue cover is timed with orthopaedics, often within days once the wound is clean.
- Will I walk normally?
- Function depends on bone, nerve and joint injury, not only on skin cover.
- Is this the same as diabetic foot care?
- They overlap. Diabetic foot has extra infection and vessel issues and is discussed on its own page.
Related pages
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This page is for general information. Your plan, if any, is decided after examination.
Contact the hospitalThis content is educational and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary. No outcome can be guaranteed.
