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Patterson et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2022;9:23 Plastic and
DOI: 10.20517/2347-9264.2021.117
Aesthetic Research

Review Open Access

Traumatic soft tissue defects: a perspective review
on reconstruction and communication priorities

from the orthopaedic trauma surgeon as a partner in
care

Joseph T. Patterson, Haley Nakata, Jacob Becerra, Andrew Duong

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033,
USA.
Correspondence to: Dr. Joseph T. Patterson, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of
Southern California, 1520 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. E-mail: joseph.patterson@med.usc.edu
How to cite this article: Patterson JT, Nakata H, Becerra J, Duong A. Traumatic soft tissue defects: a perspective review on
reconstruction and communication priorities from the orthopaedic trauma surgeon as a partner in care. Plast Aesthet Res
2022;9:23. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2021.117

Received: 27 Oct 2021 First Decision: 5 Jan 2022 Revised: 7 Feb 2022 Accepted: 15 Feb 2022 Published: 26 Mar 2022

Academic Editors: Matthew L Iorio, Marten Basta Copy Editor: Xi-Jun Chen Production Editor: Xi-Jun Chen

Abstract
Communication and coordination between orthopedic and plastic surgeons improve outcomes in severe extremity
trauma. The “orthoplastics” approach to limb salvage incorporates priorities and skillsets from both fields.
Prevention of infection, coordinated skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction, and communication during recovery
and rehabilitation are key priorities. The purpose of this review is to describe the orthopedic trauma surgeon’s
perspectives on lower extremity reconstruction, including initial management, techniques and timing for
provisional and definitive skeletal reconstruction, and considerations for rehabilitation and orthotic use to optimize
functional outcomes.

Keywords: Orthopedic trauma, limb salvage, extremity trauma, orthoplastic, soft tissue reconstruction, orthotics,
rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION
Traumatic soft tissue defects secondary to extremity trauma can pose challenging clinical problems that are

© The Author(s) 2022. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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