ABSTRACT

The evaluation of defects of the lower extremity must include a determination of what tissue and structures are missing and an evaluation of the potential func­ tional outcome. Treatment must then be geared toward achieving this outcome. As such, initial approaches to management may include a recommendation for ampu­ tation when overwhelming injury has occurred or jumping to the top of the recon­ structive ladder with the immediate use of free-tissue transfer when other options are insufficient.