Plastic Surgery in Trauma

Abstract

The most genuine interest in plastic surgery with all its subcategories is the correction or restoration of body form and function. For this, plastic surgery is based on a myriad of different techniques that are uniquely associated with this area of expertise but also originate from other medical specialties. Because plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most interdisciplinary medical specialties, it makes it necessary for the reconstructive surgeon to keep up to date with new techniques, but also to refine and critically appraise the currently available methods. The restoration of complex soft-tissue injuries combined with severe closed or open fractures resulting from severe trauma poses a significant clinical challenge. These injuries are often associated with significant clinical complications including wound infection, soft-tissue loss, compartment syndrome, non-union fractures, pain, stiffness, protracted course of treatment, joint contracture, osteomyelitis, chronic pain syndromes, and amputation of the respective extremity. A solid and cooperative team approach is indispensable to obtain initial tissue integrity as well as the respective organ function of the patient based on the complexity of the respective injury, complications which may arise, as well as the diversity of treatment options.