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Page 2 of 2 Iorio. Plast Aesthet Res 2020;7:22 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.86

Limb salvage is a multidisciplinary specialty, not only from the surgical perspective but also in the
application of the reconstruction. Critical checkpoints include overall patient safety and trauma
resuscitation, prioritization of salvage, and tailored options for reconstruction, all of which are paramount
at a time when decision-making may be limited by a lack of resources as well as the sheer volume of patient
needs. Reconstruction should proceed in an orderly and timely manner, not only from the initial stage but
with contemplation of the secondary, tertiary, or even quaternary interventions that may be considered
down the road. This concept is frequently seen in the setting of long bone fractures, which may require
secondary bone grafting, external-fixator placement, and distraction osteogenesis. This edition attempts to
integrate those concepts across extremity microsurgery, in cases such as combined tendon reconstruction,
targeted muscle reinnervation, and functional muscle transfers.

Lastly, an area of care that can be overlooked at the detriment of the overall result concerns post-reconstructive
orthotic assist devices. These are relevant both in choosing a stable, durable and appropriately shaped soft
tissue reconstruction, but also in understanding the additional gains afforded by a well-designed prosthesis.
With an understanding of these adaptive devices, a reconstruction can be better tailored to optimize
outcomes, including a reference for various levels of amputation, as well as a guide for soft tissue tailoring
to prevent fitment or wound durability complications.

Thanks to all of the authors, and also the reviewers and editorial staff from Plastic and Aesthetic Research,
for making this an exceptional issue and contribution to the field of extremity microsurgery.

I hope that you find this special edition useful, and an active guide to extremity reconstruction.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
The author contributed solely to the article.

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
The author declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.