J Reconstr Microsurg 2017; 33(S 01): S01-S02
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606818
Editorial
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Introduction to the Current Concepts in Lower Extremity Reconstruction by the Italian Society for Microsurgery

Salvatore D'Arpa
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
2   Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences, University of Palerno, Palerno, Italy
,
Francesco Moschella
2   Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences, University of Palerno, Palerno, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

24 August 2017

25 August 2017

Publication Date:
06 October 2017 (online)

We are proud to introduce the Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery supplement, “Italian Society of Microsurgery: Current Concepts on Lower Extremity Reconstruction.”

This is the inaugural issue of a series of supplements that will be published by the Italian Society of Microsurgery (SIM), an initiative introduced by our current President, Prof Francesco Moschella and the executive committee of the society.

Each supplement will follow our biannual symposium that is held during the year between two meetings and concentrates on a single topic. The supplement is published the year after the symposium and delivered to the members of the Society during the national meeting.

The topic described and discussed in the inaugural issue is lower limb reconstruction, a subject that can be well representative of the orthoplastic concept that joins together several members of the society.

This particular issue comes after 2016 Trieste's symposium, organized by Prof Arnez on lower limb reconstruction, with the contribution of Prof Tos, Prof Innocenti, Dr Cherubino, Dr Toia, Dr Caiozzo, and all other coauthors. We sincerely appreciate their efforts.

Selected aspects have been covered in this issue that reflect the attitude of the SIM towards modern lower limb reconstruction and its position on controversial issues.

The issue begins with the emergency treatment of open tibial fractures and the modern concept of negative pressure therapy in damage control surgery.

The use of vascular, arterial, and venous grafts, and flow-through flaps is described in the third article.

The fourth article discusses the spare parts concept in unsalvageable lower extremities and the technique and clinical applications of the foot fillet flap.

The fifth and sixth articles analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the use of muscle flaps versus fasciocutaneous flaps and propeller perforator flaps versus free flaps.

In the seventh article, an algorithm for reconstruction of the challenging Achilles region is described that provides useful indication on the use of free and pedicled flaps.

Lastly, the very modern concept of propeller perforator flaps harvested on free flaps to increase the surface to be covered is presented, together with a simple nomenclature proposal.

This issue is the result of a joint effort of the whole society. We are honored to serve as the Editors and would like to thank all the authors and the production team for their efforts.

Enjoy reading.