Soft Tissues Reconstruction: What the Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Needs to Know

Friday, October 20, 2023

11:35 AM – 12:35 PM PST

Location: 6C

Moderator(s)

RO

Robert V. O'Toole, MD

Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Maryland School of Medicine, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Disclosure(s): imagen: Consultant (Ongoing), Stock Shareholder (excluding mutual funds) (Ongoing); lincotek: Other Financial or Material Support (Ongoing); stryker: Consultant (Ongoing)

Faculty(s)

Lily R. Mundy, MD

Assistant Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Jason M. Souza, MD (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States

Disclosure(s): Balmoral Medical, LLC: Consultant (Ongoing); Checkpoint, Inc: Consultant (Ongoing); Integrum, Inc: Consultant (Ongoing)
David Potter, MD

Orthopedic Trauma
Northwest Texas Healthcare
Amarillo, Texas, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Extremity fractures with concomitant soft-tissue injuries can be extremely challenging to manage. Successful soft-tissue reconstruction is essential to achieve an infection-free bony union and often requires multi-disciplinary collaboration. However, there is variability in readily available soft tissue surgeons, especially those with microvascular training and an understanding of complete limb care. This makes it essential for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon to be well educated in soft tissue reconstruction, so that they may direct management of the limb.

In this breakout session we will discuss flap selection and indications for reconstruction using the hierarchy of reconstructive needs, a principles-based approach to planning soft-tissue coverage. We will summarize current literature on the latest advances in soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity, including timing of coverage, flap selection, the impact on post-operative protocols and rehabilitation, and contraindications for limb-salvage. Lastly, we will provide strategies for local and regional soft tissue reconstruction that may be utilized by orthopaedic traumatologists in areas with limited access to soft tissue surgeons.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Understand indications for soft tissue reconstruction using the hierarchy of reconstructive needs.
Summarize current evidence supporting decision-making in optimizing soft tissue reconstruction.
Identiry strategies an orthopaedic traumatologist can employ for successful local and regional soft tissue reconstruction.