Abstract
Background February of 2016 marked 30 years since the passing of Marko Godina, a pioneer and
prodigy in the field of reconstructive microsurgery. Most noteworthy among his many
contributions was his method of radical debridement of contaminated compound fractures
followed by early free tissue transfer for wound closure. In the last three decades,
the landscape of reconstructive surgery has undergone significant transformation owing
to advances in reconstructive techniques and wound care technology, as well as new
data.
Methods Dr. Godina's work and legacy are reviewed, compared and contrasted with new and evolving
data regarding lower extremity trauma reconstruction.
Results Advancements in technique and technology have greatly molded lower extremtiy reconstruction
over the past thirty years. Nonetheless, Dr. Godina's principles of timely care and
early vascularized soft tissue coverage have withstood the test of time.
Conclusion Marko Godina's contribution to reconstructive microsurgery cannot be overstated and
his groundbreaking work continues to serve as the foundation of lower extremity trauma
reconstruction. Three decades after his seminal work, we honor Dr. Godina's legacy
and explore how his principles have endured, evolved, or been replaced.
Keywords
Godina - lower extremity trauma - free flap - microsurgery - limb salvage
